UP Health System – Marquette Receives Hospital Maternity Care Improvement Award

UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) is proud to be recognized by the Economic Alliance of Michigan (EAM) with a 2024 Hospital Maternity Care Improvement Award. The awards are part of the EAM's Maternity Care Project and are given to hospitals that have demonstrated excellence and improvement in maternity care and delivery outcomes.

UP Health System – Marquette is one of three hospitals across the state to receive a Maternity Care Improvement Award, which is given to hospitals that demonstrate a decrease in cesareans, episiotomies and elective early deliveries over a two-year period. Awarded facilities must also fully meet the standard for unnecessary cesarean delivery rates, which is 23.6 percent or less of low-risk deliveries.

“While sometimes necessary, invasive surgery comes with risk. C-sections are no exception and can increase the possibility of complications for both mom and baby,” said Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician Breanna Pond, MD, who also serves as the medical director of UPHS – Marquette’s Family Birthing Center. “In most cases, a vaginal delivery is safest and easiest to recover from, so that’s what we aim for with our low-risk patients. In addition to regular visits with mom throughout pregnancy in which we evaluate progress, discuss options and provide education, we also encourage the natural birthing process with an empowering, supportive labor environment and a strong collaboration with our Family Birthing Center team to achieve good outcomes.”

The overall goal of the EAM Maternity Care Project is to reduce the infant mortality rate, reduce the rate of unnecessary C-sections and be an educational resource for new and expecting parents residing in Michigan. Unnecessary C-sections can increase the risk of hemorrhage (bleeding), infection, blood clots and transfusions for the mother and increase the risk of respiratory complications, neonatal intensive care stays and infection for newborns.

This award showcases the hard work and collaboration of the UP Health System – Marquette Labor and Delivery team, which consists of physicians, nurses, and care aids/unit clerks. 

“It’s truly a privilege to support women through the labor and delivery process,” said Alicia Skoko, RN, director of the Family Birthing Center at UPHS – Marquette. “This award is a testament that we’re doing the necessary work to provide our patients with a safe space for bringing new life into the world.”

The Family Birthing Center at UP Health System – Marquette is equipped 24/7 with a team of professionals to help families welcome their newborns as safely and smoothly as possible—even those that are high-risk. It also houses the Upper Peninsula's only neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), specializing in the care of ill or premature newborn infants. The NICU is located directly adjacent to the Family Birthing Center, allowing families to stay together should their newborns need specialized or intensive care and support post-birth.

Expecting a baby soon? Learn more about women's health services offered at the Family Birthing Center at UP Health System and get connected with care by visiting our website. 

The Maternity Care Project also provides details for birthing centers in Michigan, providing parents-to-be invaluable information in making a choice for hospital maternity care. To compare birthing centers and learn more about the project go to maternitycareproject.com.

About the Economic Alliance for Michigan

Founded in 1982, the EAM is comprised of businesses and unions working together with one clear objective – continued growth of Michigan’s economy by inspiring job growth and strengthening Michigan’s competitiveness for attracting companies and talent. The EAM seeks to use the collective voice of Michigan’s purchasers to serve as catalysts for change to ensure appropriate access to patient-centric, high-value healthcare. The EAM is the Michigan Regional Leader for The Leapfrog Group.  Learn more about the EAM at eamonline.org.