Birthways

Birthways

Whether you’re visiting a loved one at Birthways or staying with us for care, you deserve the best possible experience. Find out how to get to our maternity unit and learn what to expect in our family-centered setting.

Parking & Wayfinding

When you arrive at Mary Greeley Medical Center:

1. Park in the ramp on 11^th Street, south of the hospital.
2. Use the medical center's main entrance or the west entrance/patient discharge doors. (After hours, enter through the emergency department or ring the doorbell at the west entrance/patient discharge doors.)
3. Follow the long hallway to the G elevators.
4. Take the G elevator to the third floor.
5. Ring the doorbell to the right of the main door on the unit to let us know you're here. The unit is always locked for safety and security

Should I Call Before I Come?

Before going to the hospital with labor symptoms, call your provider during office hours or call First Nurse after office hours. You can reach First Nurse from Ames at 515-239-6877 or from anywhere in Iowa at 800-524-6877.

Visitor Guidelines

To keep newborns healthy and ensure new parents get enough rest:

• Avoid visiting during quiet time from 1:30–3:30 p.m. each day.
• Limit visits from toddlers and school-age children, who are often the first to spread seasonal illnesses.
• Don’t visit if you felt unwell or had a cough, fever or skin sores in the last 24 hours.

Spacious Rooms for All Your Care

There’s plenty of space for you and your loved ones in Birthways’ 23 suites. All labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care happens in the same place, meaning parents never have to switch rooms. Even neonatal intensive care takes place in your room, and you can stay by your newborn’s side when they need you most.

In a Cesarean birth, our two operating rooms let you and your baby remain in the same unit. You stay close to your healthy infant right after delivery, so you can enjoy skin-to-skin contact and bonding time.

Comfort & Support During Labor

Labor in the way that feels most helpful. You can move around freely thanks to our wireless fetal and contraction monitors. Take advantage of:

• Large whirlpools (in most rooms) with warm water that relaxes your muscles and reduces pain
• Labor balls, stools and squat bars
• Comfortable, Upright Birth (CUB) inflatable support devices designed to make childbirth safer and easier
• Several pain relief options, including epidurals and nitrous oxide
• Aromatherapy for relaxation

Learn more about how we take care of you during your stay at Birthways.

Care Team

You and your baby will be in the skilled hands of:

• Obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) or a certified nurse midwife
• Pediatric hospitalists onsite 24/7 to respond quickly to your newborn’s needs
• Certified lactation consultants who help you start breastfeeding
• Specially trained registered nurses

Respectful Maternity Care

Expect your nurses to prioritize your rights, needs and preferences. Birthways staff follow Respectful Maternity Care guidelines set by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. Our goal is to show empathy and consideration for your cultural beliefs. Whatever your background, you can look forward to compassionate support.

Quality Care

You can trust us for care based on the latest evidence because we take part in:

• Iowa Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health
• Iowa Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative

Learn about our national recognitions for helping moms and babies stay safe and healthy.