Natural birthing

Spectrum Health supports expectant mothers who desire as natural of a childbirth experience as possible when they deliver in our hospitals. Butterworth Hospital is proud to offer a new option for a natural childbirth experience with two natural birthing suites for women with low-risk pregnancies.

Our natural birthing suites offer a homelike atmosphere that includes a queen-size bed and recliner for comfort, and lamps for softer lighting. You’ll be supported by a core group of nurses who are passionate about and experienced in holistic techniques to support natural labor and delivery. 

We offer position-changing tools, such as birthing balls, and many of the same amenities as our traditional labor and delivery rooms, including en suite bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi and a pullout couch. 

You may also bring items to help manage your comfort, such as personal music, massage tools or aromatherapy (please, no oil diffusers or candles).

We encourage you to talk with your provider and explore options early in your pregnancy to see what’s right for you. A safe delivery for both you and your baby is our number one priority, so there may be some medical conditions or complications that require you to deliver in a traditional delivery room. 

Criteria for our natural birthing suites: 

• No pre-existing or pregnancy conditions 
• Complete natural childbirth preparation with provider and orientation 
• Agree to be transferred to a traditional labor and delivery room if needed 

Wherever you deliver, our labor and delivery team will work in collaboration with your provider to support your desire to have the most natural birth possible.

Having a natural birth requires education throughout your pregnancy so you are equipped for the process: 

• Partner with your provider to learn coping techniques 
• Participate in a regular birthing class 
• Attend a special natural birth orientation at Butterworth Hospital around 34 weeks gestation 

Between 34 and 36 weeks gestation, your provider will have your name put on the list to use one of the natural birthing rooms. 

When you are in labor, your midwife or OB-GYN will call ahead so our team in OB triage will know your desire for natural birth and check room availability. If one of the natural birthing rooms is not available, we will still support your desire to have the most natural birth possible.

Talk with your provider about birthing options and potentially using our natural delivery rooms. If together you determine it is a good fit, complete the required education to be added to the list.

If you have questions or would like to sign up for the monthly natural birth orientation, contact contact your provider.