 Obstetrics
When it comes to providing care for expectant mothers and their families, Joseph's Area Health Services Obstetrics (OB) Department has adopted the philosophy: "Our family taking care of your family." We make efforts to be flexible so your experience can be as rewarding as possible.
St. Joseph's operates a Level 1 nursery and accommodates three private Labor/Delivery/Recovery/Postpartum rooms equipped with modern fetal heart monitors. (A cordless fetal monitoring system is also available.) Moms have access to birthing balls and beds which adapt to position changes when in labor. Expectant mothers can learn more about these offerings during childbirth preparation classes designed for women in their seventh, eighth, and ninth month of pregnancy.
Expectant moms are also in for a pleasant surprise when admitted to their room because St. Joseph's can offer a staffing ratio which lends one nurse to every laboring mom. Our nurses receive ongoing training including in-house Neonatal Resuscitation Program education offered to nurses and physicians.
Birthing coaches are encouraged to stay with the expectant mothers as much as they're able. Dr. Andrea Kaster, who has special interests in OB and women's health and received cesarean section training, says the role of the birthing coaches is very important. They know the patient so well and can help her with her comfort level.
St. Joseph's Area Health Services Obstetrics Committee works to continuously improve care for moms, babies, and families who rely on St. Joseph's for obstetric services. A core group of dedicated Essentia Health physicians are committed to providing quality OB care for patients. Our core OB team of trained Family Medicine physicians include:
A woman who discovers she's pregnant or wants to conceive can make appointments through Essentia Health in Park Rapids, Menahga, and Walker. Anyone with a question about St. Joseph's OB Department or childbirth preparation classes please call Lisa at 218-616-3345..
OB services include:
- Birthing education classes
- Epidurals
- Infant hearing screenings
- Free car seat and training on use
- Individualized Labor & Delivery care
- Individualized postpartum & newborn care instruction
- Lactation counselors
- Circumcision
- Neonatal transport team through Essentia Health network
- Knitted cap for baby, made with love by hospital auxiliary volunteer
- Baby's first book donated by Friends of the Library
- Teaching materials in Spanish, interpreters available
- Layettes donated to moms with limited financial resources
Free Sibling Class
Aug. 28 & Nov. 6
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
St. Joseph's Lower Level Conference Room A
- Party atmosphere
- "Silly Sibling" video (geared for ages 2-6)
- Instruction with doll to learn how to hold baby and be a hands-on helper
- Activities
To register, please call Lisa at 218-616-3345.
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Childbirth Preparation
Classes Designed for 7th, 8th, 9th Month of Pregnancy
Aug. 29, Sept. 5 & 12
Nov. 7, 14 & 21
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
St. Joseph's Lower Level Conference Room A
Classes cover: |
- Breathing
- Relaxation
- Exercise
- Physical Changes
- Stages of Labor
- Role of Labor Partner
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- Unexpected Outcomes
- Admission to Nursery
- After Care for Mom and Baby
- Infant Feeding Options
- Car Seat Safety
- OB Room Tours
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To register, please call Lisa at 218-616-3345.
Registration: $45; Insurance Billing Available
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