Neonatal Center Is Often Needed When Parents Least Expect It

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Becki Denick experienced a typical pregnancy. She ate right, stayed active and maintained frequent contact with her obstetrician. She and her husband Justin debated on where to deliver their firstborn child and opted for Spectrum Health Family Birthplace at Butterworth Hospital. Their decision turned out to be one of the best they could have made for their unborn child.

After 39 weeks of pregnancy and routine labor, Becki pushed for just 10 minutes before giving birth to seven pound, six ounce Sarah. Moments later, the delivery room was filled with pediatric specialists concerned about Sarah. Born with a large nevus, or mole, Sarah’s back was almost completely affected. Most of the mole was darker than the rest of her skin tone but a section was protruding and clearly not typical for a newborn. Sarah was quickly transported to The Gerber Foundation Neonatal Center at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital adjacent to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital. She underwent a battery of tests and eventually surgery on her third day of life.

“I didn’t expect anything to go wrong but wanted the security of being close to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital just in case,” said Becki Denick, first time mom and Grand Rapids resident. “The idea of something happening and my baby being transferred to the children’s hospital and me being at another was something I didn’t want to experience.”

The Gerber Foundation Neonatal Center is one of the largest in the country and provides specialized care to premature and critically ill infants. The center will expand on January 11, 2011 when the new Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital opens. The center will offer private and semi-private rooms for at-risk newborns. The center is part of the Vermont Oxford Network, a collaboration of health care professionals dedicated to improving the quality and safety of medical care for newborns and their families. Through a worldwide database, members share the latest information about the care and outcomes of high-risk newborns-giving Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital access to best practices, the latest research and the field’s leading thinkers.

“Sarah has a long road ahead of her but she’s got a great start thanks to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital,” said Becki. “She will need additional surgeries but we’re confident she’s in the right place. I never imagined needing children’s hospital but feel so blessed to have one right in Grand Rapids.”

More expectant mothers choose the Spectrum Health Family Birthplace than any other birthing center in West Michigan. Spectrum Health Family Birthplace offers the area’s most comprehensive pregnancy and birth services. Mothers can rely on our personal care and expertise before, during and after the birth experience. When needed, as in Becki’s case, special care options are available including The Gerber Foundation Neonatal Center.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a member of Spectrum Health, is a Grand Rapids-based hospital serving children throughout Michigan. A teaching hospital, it includes more than 150 pediatric physicians trained to provide medical and surgical care to children in more than 40 pediatric specialties. Visit helendevoschildrens.org to learn more.