Infant girl doing well after parking garage birth at Sparrow

TUESDAY, Nov. 7 — A GMC Suburban parked in the parking garage at Sparrow Hospital on Michigan Avenue in Lansing became a  makeshift emergency labor room last week for the birth of a 5-pound,6-ounce girl.

“Our team got word that there was a someone delivering in the parking lot and raced outside,” said Katheryn Moody, an emergency room doctor. “We worked together and helped deliver a healthy baby girl while the first snow of fall was falling. Mom and baby did great and we are honored to be a part of their story.”

Resident Nathaniel Gerdes, registered nurse Jessica Carpenter and Sparrow and emergency medical technician Amanda Wonsey oversaw the birth, assisted by Desiree Albano, OB-GYN resident. The birth occurred Oct. 30.

“It’s a Monday I will never forget,” said Wonsey. “I have worked in the hospital setting for a total of 26 years, and this was my first parking lot delivery. I am really glad that baby and mom are doing well.

The newborn spent several days at Sparrow’s Regional Intensive Care Unit before being discharged home. Her mom was also treated and is also now home and doing well, hospital spokesman John Foren said.

Sparrow Hospital recently achieved a “platinum” designation from the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM), the highest ranking possible for its care of pregnant and new moms, highlighting our efforts to ensure expecting mothers and our youngest patients receive the highest quality care in Mid-Michigan.

Two years ago, Sparrow reported that a mother gave birth in the parking lot's elevator.