The Maternity Center at Cullman Regional is poised to soon become a cozier place for expecting families, thanks to a new contribution from the Cullman Regional Foundation to help fund a renovation and enlargement project for the center’s family waiting areas.

The Cullman Regional Foundation has committed $200,000 in funds for enhancements at the hospital’s Maternity Center, aiding a 3,800-square-foot expansion of the main waiting area that’s expected to be finished by the end of 2024.

“The Cullman Regional Foundation is proud to donate $200,000 for the remodel of the maternity waiting area,” said Foundation president Dr. Matt Dellinger in a release. “This donation showcases the power of collective efforts and highlights how communities come together to create lasting positive change, particularly in the healthcare sector.”

The hospital’s Maternity Center recently opened a Level II neonatal intensive care unit, a special care nursery for babies born no earlier than 32 weeks’ gestation who have moderate medical issues from which they’re expected to recover fairly quickly.

The Level II NICU designation “is expected to help the hospital grow its birth volume,” the hospital said, with enhancements funded by the Cullman Regional Foundation helping to “benefit the growing number of women and families who choose to deliver their babies” at Cullman Regional.

In addition to adding more square footage, the Maternity Center renovation and enhancement also will feature a new reception desk, new flooring and furniture, as well as amenities aimed at making families more comfortable during their time spent at the hospital.

“We are grateful to have the support of Cullman Regional Foundation,” said Cullman Regional chief nursing officer Charna Brown in the hospital’s release. “As we continue our work to develop premier and comprehensive women’s health programs, we hope the Foundation and the community are proud to have been part of this important initiative.”