Abby and her husband Jeremy had done their homework when it came to preparing for their first child. They visited several hospitals before choosing Holland Hospital’s Boven Birth Center for its track record of providing high-quality, personalized care. They also liked the fact that adjacent to the birth center is a state-of-the-art Special Care Nursery – a “safety net” should their baby need extra care.

That Holland Hospital is only a quick drive from the Holland couple’s home was an added plus. The Brandsens took several childbirth and infant CPR classes at the hospital. All their preparations came together at the Boven Birth Center on May 28, 2009, when after an uncomplicated delivery, Leila was placed in Abby’s arms.

“It was a very positive experience,” Abby said several weeks later as she held Leila. “All the nurses were great.” She says she also appreciated the follow-up calls from a lactation consultant and parent advocate to make sure she and Leila were adjusting well.

“I’ve been very lucky – Leila’s calm and content,” Abby says. “But it’s nice to know that if I was having problems, they’re available.”

Excellent care, plus peace of mind

Each year, more than 1,800 newborns get an excellent start in life at Holland Hospital. Staffed by pediatric hospitalists and nurses who specialize in obstetrical and neonatal nursing, the Boven Birth Center provides a high level of skilled care and technology for all kinds of births, from routine to high risk. Moms and dads appreciate the well-appointed birthing suites that accommodate labor, delivery and postpartum care in one private room, as well as the family-centered environment and focus on safety.

All new parents have the added assurance that if their baby is premature or requires extra support and monitoring before going home, advanced care is available on-site in the Special Care Nursery. There, a team of pediatric hospitalists and nurse practitioners provide dedicated, 24-hour care for newborns.

Since its opening in September 2007, about one in 10 babies born at Holland Hospital have needed to spend some time in the Special Care Nursery. The average stay is nince days. Conditions most often treated include:

• Preterm birth, as early as 32 weeks gestation
• Respiratory problems
• Special feeding needs
• Infection
• Drug withdrawal

From preemies to 'active little boys'

Grandville residents Courtney and Lee Scholten were thankful the Special Care Nursery was there for the birth of their twins. After an ultrasound revealed that both boys were breech, Courtney had planned to have a Caesarean section. Her delivery date was unexpectedly moved up when she went into labor four weeks early. Carter and Lucas were born on October 6, 2008, each weighing under six pounds.

When testing revealed that the premature newborns weren’t digesting properly, they were moved to the Special Care Nursery where nurses gave them fluids through feeding tubes, and in Lucas’s case, by IV. The twins spent a week under their expert care. Courtney figures that her own discharge from the hospital was the most difficult part of her babies’ birth, “because I had to leave them.” Even so, she says she was “very impressed” with the care they all received.

Today, Carter and Lucas show no signs of their early feeding problems. “They’re growing very well and getting big,” their mother reports with a smile. “They’re normal, active little boys.” Even though the family recently moved to the Grand Rapids area, Courtney asserts, “I would still come back to Holland Hospital.”