Obstetrics & Pediatrics

St. Joseph’s Area Health Services obstetric (OB) staff have adopted the philosophy, “Our family taking care of your family,” when it comes to providing care for expectant mothers and their families. They make efforts to be flexible so your experience can be the most 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 for laboring moms so they don’t have to be hooked up to cords. Moms have access to birthing balls and up-to-date beds which adapt more easily to position changes for women in labor. They can learn about various techniques during birthing education classes.

Expectant moms are 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.

Ideally a mother comes into a room, labors and delivers a baby, they remain for her postpartum care all in the same room. Nurses receive ongoing training including in-house Neonatal Resuscitation Program education offered to nurses and physicians. There are OB nurses who are certified to teach the course.

Birthing coaches are encouraged to stay with the expectant mothers as much as they’re able. Dr. Andrea Kaster, whose interest favor 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, can remain with the mom, and help her with her comfort level.

Dr. Holly Hett, Dakota Clinic family physician and St. Joseph's Area Health Services Obstetrics Committee chair, says the committee works to continuously improve care for moms, babies and families who rely on St. Joseph's for obstetric services.

A woman who discovers she’s pregnant or wants to conceive can make appointments through Dakota in Park Rapids, Menahga, and Walker. Anyone with a question about St. Joseph’s OB Department can contact Janine Brostrom, manager at 218-237-5730.

OB services include:

• Birthing education classes
• Epidurals
• Infant hearing screenings
• Free car seat and training on use
• Individualized postpartum instruction
• Lactation counselors
• Circumcision
• Neonatal transport team through Dakota Clinic 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 plus interpreters available
• Layettes donated to moms with limited financial resources

Medical/Surgical/Pediatrics

This unit is located on 2 North and serves individuals from newborn to geriatrics. Services include; acute care, observation, swing bed and hospice.

The health care team provides a wide-range of medical and surgical services. The staff also recognizes the special needs of the pediatric patient and the unique needs that arise with hospitalization.

Patient centered care is provided in a safe, healing environment. The plan of care for each patient is individualized and designed to meet patient needs while promoting healing and comfort. Telemetry monitoring, pain management, rehab services, respiratory care, nutritional services, spiritual care and discharge planning all assist in providing care to patients on this unit.

We recognize that teamwork is essential and the health care team strives for excellence. Trained and experienced the staff is dedicated to provide compassionate quality care. We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the patients and families that we serve on 2 North.