Our Obstetricians Listen to You and Your Baby
Deliver your baby with love and heartfelt care at Glacial Ridge Health System in Glenwood
Every baby and mother are unique. That’s why, from the beginning of your pregnancy, you’ll receive expert care from our team of medical professionals—obstetricians, family medicine physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and a certified midwife. They’ll thoroughly explain your options, like pain management during labor and delivery and our luxurious birthing suites.
For more information, please visit our Maternity and OB website.
One Doctor for Prenatal Care through Delivery
We think that the doctor or midwife following your care during pregnancy should be the same one to deliver your baby. In bigger health systems, you’ll have one doctor during your pregnancy and whoever is on call to deliver your baby. We like our way because the doctor or midwife you’ve grown to trust throughout your pregnancy knows you and your body.
In addition, our family medicine practice can continue caring for you and your growing family after delivery.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the care you receive during your pregnancy. It consists of checkups from your obstetrician, nurse, and midwife and testing to keep you and your future baby healthy.
Prenatal visits to a health care provider usually include a physical exam, weight checks, and at some visits, providing a urine sample.
Getting early and regular prenatal care can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a full-term baby. Make an appointment with one of our OB providers as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
Prenatal Testing
During your pregnancy, you may receive prenatal tests that help your obstetrician provider determine how you and your baby are doing. You’ll get tests several times during pregnancy at your prenatal care checkups. These tests can alert you and your doctor of possible complications or congenital conditions.
Labor and Delivery
It’s time to meet your new baby! When your water breaks, your labor and delivery will proceed in three stages:
- The slow opening of the cervix
- The birth of your baby!
- Separation and birth of the placenta
The average labor lasts 12 to 24 hours for a first birth and is typically shorter (eight to 10 hours) for other births.
Pain Management
We understand that labor and delivery are painful and require much effort from the mother. So, pain management options, with and without medication, are essential to your birthing experience.
Alternatives that don’t require medication include breathing techniques, massages, moving around, and relaxation techniques.
Options for labor and delivery with pain medication include:
- Nitrous oxide, a decades-old method to manage pain
- IV pain medication or epidurals that won’t interfere with your ability to push during labor
Note: at hospitals, more than half of women choose epidurals when giving birth.
Birth Center
A home-like setting with a pleasant, calming atmosphere can make a big difference during labor and delivery. That was our goal in designing our new, spacious, and luxurious birthing suites.
Our birthing suites are ideal for mothers with low-risk pregnancies who desire a more natural-style birth in a family-based setting. They allow you to labor, deliver, and recover in one place without being moved.
The suites have Jacuzzi tubs for soaking while in labor or delivery and a water birthing tub. Other amenities include:
- Sofa that converts to a bed
- Refrigerator for snacks and breast milk
- Room service to meet all your needs
- Amazing views of Lake Minnewaska
- Celebratory and complimentary steak dinner for two on your last night
Our family delivers for your family.
Do you live in Glenwood, Starbuck, Benson, Brooten, Alexandria, or surrounding communities? Get easy access to our expert team and heartfelt care close to home at Glacial Ridge Health System.
If you’re pregnant, please make an appointment to see one of our obstetricians. We’re ready to listen to you and your baby. Learn more about our Maternity Healthcare Team or call 320.634.5157 for an appointment.
