By Clint Wolf - September 26th 2023

 

BELOIT

Area residents were treated to a sneak peek at a new health facility Tuesday that will offer expectant mothers another alternative in child birth.

Beloit Health System officials welcomed guests to view the new NorthPointe Birth Center, which is located on the NorthPointe Health and Wellness Campus in Roscoe.

Beloit Health System President and CEO Tim McKevett said the new facility will be focused on those individuals who want a natural home-birth atmosphere with the safety and security of a professionally trained health staff.

 

“We already have five individuals who have committed to have their babies here,” he said.

He added that a birth at the new facility would be only 2/3 the cost of a birth in a hospital.

The birth center still has some finishing touches to complete and inspections by the State of Illinois. An open house for the facility is scheduled for Oct. 7.

Mindy Brancamp, director of nursing for Beloit Health System, said the birth center has four clinic rooms where expectant mothers can go for prenatal care. There are three birthing rooms, each with their own theme. Brancamp said there is the “Glam” room which has sparkling chandeliers and spangled decorations. There is the “Country” style room with a more down-to-earth feel. And there is the “Wicker” room.

Each room has a tub that can be used for mothers in labor, as well as a bed and other home-like touches.

There also is a living room and kitchen where family members can gather as they wait for the birth of their new family member.

The facility is staffed by two nurse-midwives and two registered nurses. Dr. Binn Jatta, OB/GYN is the medical director of the NorthPointe Birth Center, and Camilla Roe is the nurse/midwife director at the center.

The NorthPointe Birth Center is for low-risk births. If during the prenatal care portion of care for a mother it is determined that she would not be well suited for the center, that mother would be referred for another option, including a hospital birth.

Brancamp also added that the staff at the center is working with the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department in conducting drills in case a mother has to be transported from the center to a hospital.

Home births increased from about 38,000 in 2019 to about 45,000 in 2020, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

McKevett said the NorthPointe Birth Center is the only facility of its kind in the region. It all is focused on an effort to offer another alternative in health care to area residents, he said.