Peter and Danialle Karmanos Commit $5M to Center for Natural Birth at Beaumont

Peter and Danialle Karmanos announced Monday a gift of $5 million to create the Karmanos Center for Natural Birth at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak.

Peter Karmanos, a retired executive chairman of Compuware, is best known for the establishment of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

“We are so excited to be embarking on the Karmanos Center for Natural Birth with the Beaumont team,” said Danialle Karmanos at a press conference.

Across the country there is a trend toward natural birth. Most natural childbirth techniques are non invasive and include strategies such as hypnosis, yoga, massage and hydrotherapy or immersion in warm water.

"(Natural childbirth) is the path Pete and I chose for delivering our four boys," said Karmanos mother of twins Socrates and Leonides, 4, Spiros, 2 1/2, and Aristises, 16 months. The youngest two boys were born at Beaumont. 

"I want to be very clear that natural birth is not the right fit for everyone. Pete and I believe that every mother chooses her experience based on the best interests of her child. This project is really about supporting expectant mothers who feel that a natural childbirth is the right fit for their family."

The deluxe 3,225-square-foot center, which is scheduled to open late in 2014, will provide a variety of services and amenities, from personal refrigerators, iPod docking stations and jacuzzi tubs to the most advanced medical care.