Ginger Packer, KCH birthplace director, is pictured next to the birthplace’s new labor tub.

WARSAW — Kosciusko Community Hospital held an open house celebration Feb. 13, for the hospital’s new birthplace renovations.

Renovations to the KCH Birthplace Maternity Center include updates such as a soothing labor tub and new neonatal equipment. The center offers four labor rooms, 10 postpartum rooms and a surgical suite with a private recovery area.

The birthing center also offers lactation services, which include prenatal breastfeeding classes, postpartum visits and outpatient visits by appointment.

During a tour, Ginger Packer, KCH birthplace director, emphasized the importance of safety and security in the birthplace center.

“Safety in the birthplace center is our number one priority and is of utmost importance,” said Packer. “The overall hospital experience and patient satisfaction is also very, very important to us.”

Packer said all newborns wear a specially marked wristband for security purposes. The wristband alerts security if the child is taken out of the birthplace center before being medically cleared by physicians.

“We want all of our families who come here for the birthing process to feel assured that their new baby will be safe,” said Packer.

The women’s and children’s healthcare team at the KCH Birthplace includes seven physicians who deliver at the birthplace and 10 physicians who care for newborns. Luis Gonzalez, MD, OB/GYN, is a new medical staff member at KCH and has over 36 years of experience. Gonzalez is bilingual in both English and Spanish.

During the open house, visitors had the opportunity to get a car seat inspection completed by Lutheran EMS. Lutheran EMS offers free car seat inspections, which can be made via appointment by calling (574) 269-1975.

Packer also said the birthplace is currently recruiting midwives to have on location.

The center’s expansive nursery also gives new parents the opportunity to have newborn pictures taken by Sweet Beginnings Portrait Studio. The studio has a photoshoot area set up in the nursery.

“Overall, I’d say my favorite part of the entire renovation is the new labor tub,” said Packer. “It’s a very easy, soothing method to help calm mothers before the birthing process begins.”

Pictured is Packer in a newly renovated labor room.