This information is in regards to the three hospital systems that serve the majority of Grand Rapids, Michigan the surrounding areas in Kent County and the lakeshore.
Information is changing rapidly, sometimes daily, due to COVID-19 and every effort is being taken to keep this page up-to-date. Please reach out to your hospital that you will be birthing at to get the latest visitation policies
NOTE: The Executive Order 2020-37 which allowed for Doulas who pass a health evaluation to enter a labor & delivery room is now longer in effect. However, every hospital has the right to make their own policy of who they admit or further restrictions on those who enter the hospital.
**Updated 2/12/2021**
Mercy Health - Grand Rapids
CONTACT #: 616.685.5000
ENTRY POINT: The main lobby in the front of the hospital is open until 9pm and then reopens at 5am. Birthing individuals will enter and exit through the ER during the hours in-between.
VISITATION POLICY: Birthing individuals will be allowed ONE support person in Triage, and patients admitted for a C-section will be allowed one visitor. When ADMITTED they will be allowed TWO visitors in with them. All individuals will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
DOULA POLICY: Doulas are being allowed in the hospital and will need to bring proof of credentials with them. Doulas will NOT be allowed in if patient is COVID positive.
PLACENTA SERVICES: Individuals who provide placenta encapsulation services are still able to pick up the placenta in the turn-around just outside of the Main Lobby.
VIRTUAL TOUR (if you didn't get a chance to tour the facility, this is great!)
BIRTH PLAN TEMPLATE (Mercy Health has a template that you can utilize and share with your provider)
Spectrum Health - Butterworth
CONTACT #: 866.989.7999
ENTRY POINT: All birthing individuals will enter and leave through The Women's Center entrance.
VISITATION POLICY: Birthing individuals will be allowed TWO visitors in with them during birth and postpartum (they may leave the building and return if needed). COVID POSITIVE BIRTHING INDIVIDUALS are allowed ONE visitor, they will not be allowed to come-and-go as they please (so please make sure to pack all the essentials!). All individuals will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Pregnant individuals will be rapid Covid tested.
DOULA POLICY: Certified Doulas are being allowed into the labor & delivery room. Doulas should bring evidence of their certification.
PLACENTA SERVICES: Individuals who provide placenta encapsulation services are still able to pick up the placenta in the lobby of the Women's Center entrance.
UofM - Metro Health (main campus)
CONTACT #: 616.525.7184
ENTRY POINT: All birthing individuals will enter the hospital via the ER entrance (day-time & night-time hours). After screening, you will be directed to registration and then taken to the Birth Center floor.
VISITATION POLICY: Birthing individuals will be allowed TWO support visitors in with them. All individuals will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
DOULA POLICY: Only certified Birth Doulas are being allowed. Birth doulas are required to speak with the Nurse Manager (Renee 616.252.7265) prior to delivery to pre-register. Will need proof of certification, etc. Doulas will NOT be allowed in if patient is COVID positive.
PLACENTA SERVICES: Individuals who provide placenta encapsulation services are still able to pick up the placenta, coordinate with client as to where it can be picked up (may be ER entrance).
Zeeland Community Hospital
CONTACT #: 616.772.4644
ENTRY POINT: All birthing individuals will enter the hospital via the ER entrance (day-time & night-time hours). After screening, you will be directed to registration and then taken to the Birth Center floor.
VISITATION POLICY: Birthing individuals will be allowed TWO support visitor in with them. All individuals will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Pregnant individuals will be rapid Covid tested.
DOULA POLICY: Doulas are being allowed in with proof of certification.
PLACENTA SERVICES: Individuals who provide placenta encapsulation services are still able to pick up the placenta, coordinate with client as to where it can be picked up (may be Main Visitor Entrance or the ER entrance).
Holland Hospital
CONTACT #: 616.392.5141
ENTRY POINT: All birthing individuals will enter the hospital via the ER entrance (day-time & night-time hours). After screening, you will be directed to registration and then taken to the Birth Center floor.
VISITATION POLICY: Birthing individuals will be allowed ONE support visitor in with them. All individuals will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
DOULA POLICY: Doulas are being allowed in with proof of certification.
PLACENTA SERVICES: Individuals who provide placenta encapsulation services are still able to pick up the placenta, coordinate with client as to where it can be picked up (may be Main Visitor Entrance or the ER entrance).
*Carrie is a Birth & Postpartum Doula, and Placenta Encapsulation Specialist that serves the Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. She also serves as Director of the Maternal Wellness Program, a non-profit group that provides support for perinatal mood disorders and pregnancy/infant loss.