LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With ceremonial swings of sledgehammers, UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital marked the major development phase of The Birthing Place, with expected delivery just nine months away. The $20-million project is part of UofL Health’s commitment to providing convenient health care access to all—especially patients in underserved communities. The last baby delivered west of I-65, in a birthing center, was in 1974.
“For far too long families west of I-65 have had to go long distances to find labor and delivery options,” said Melisa Adkins, CEO of Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. “The Birthing Place increases access to expectant moms looking for exceptional maternity care close to home and to all moms seeking an extraordinary experience.”
Mary & Elizabeth Hospital is redesigning nearly 21,000 square feet for babies, moms and dads, conveniently located near the main entrance of the hospital. The Birthing Place will include:
- 8 Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum (LDRP) suites with a focus on both natural and traditional childbirth. Each room will also include a spa-inspired labor tub area and a private bathroom/shower room.
- Specialty suite specifically designed for C-sections
- Well-baby Level 1 Nursery
- Labor Lounge that will provide a calming and soothing environment for laboring mothers.
Renovation of the space is supported by an $8.25-million grant from Louisville Metro Government.
“UofL Health is grateful to have the partnership of the Metro Council and Mayor Craig Greenberg to ensure all moms have close access to the very best in care,” said Tom Miller, UofL Health CEO.
“It’s an honor to help celebrate the beginning of the construction phase of The Birthing Place. Everyone deserves access to quality health care, and The Birthing Place will provide better access to maternity services for families living west of I-65,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “That’s why I’m proud of the $8.25-million investment Metro Government is making in The Birthing Place and grateful for our partnership with UofL Health, the University of Louisville and our allies in state and federal government. Partnerships like this help us make our city safer, stronger and healthier.”
“I am thrilled that we will soon have The Birthing Place west of I-65 to serve women and families in the south and west areas of Louisville,” said Louisville Metro Councilwoman Cindi Fowler, District 14.
The return of maternity services to Mary & Elizabeth Hospital comes during a historic year, celebrating 150 years of caring for patients. It is the only hospital in Louisville west of I-65 and serves a diverse and medically underserved population, including a large concentration of low-income citizens. The socioeconomic challenges faced by patients often lead to babies being born prematurely, low birth rates and other complicating medical conditions.
“The Birthing Place will deliver a much-needed resource for the women of this community, knocking down the barriers to accessing women’s health care,” said Sean Francis, M.D., UofL Physicians, and chair of OB/GYN & Women’s Health for UofL School of Medicine. “Maternity care is a core health care service, and we look forward to bringing labor and delivery closer to home for many families.”
The care team at The Birthing Place will include physicians and certified nurse midwives, along with licensed clinical social workers, health coaches, health educators and care navigators. The space was designed to reflects a home environment where families can be together.
Mary & Elizabeth Hospital is also home to the UofL Health – Center for Women’s Health and UofL School of Medicine’s Family Medicine Residency Program, which provides care for patients of all ages, including newborns. It means moms and babies can continue follow-up care close to home while simultaneously providing opportunities for the training of future physicians.
“South Louisville deserves to have these services close to home, and we are extremely proud to be bringing them back to this vibrant part of our city after an absence of nearly 50 years,” said UofL President and UofL Health Chair Kim Schatzel. “This is long overdue and a perfect time for this expansion at Mary & Elizabeth, which, as we know, is celebrating 150 years of service in 2024. Mary & Elizabeth already serves zip codes with some of the highest birth rates in Jefferson County. For UofL and our partners at UofL Health, nothing is more important than caring for the most vulnerable among us.”
The anticipated opening of The Birthing Place is Spring 2025. When needed, high-risk and subspecialty care will be provided at UofL Hospital, thanks to the collaboration with the UofL Hospital – Center for Women & Infants.
Additional media coverage:
- Maternity center construction begins at UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital (WHAS)
- UofL Health expected to open birthing center at Mary & Elizabeth Hospital in spring 2025 (WDRB)
- Maternity services returning for south Louisville families in spring 2025 (WLKY)
- Leaders celebrate south Louisville’s future birthing center (Spectrum)
