Welcoming a baby into the world is an exciting time. You want to give birth in comfort, safety and with peace of mind. The New Ulm Medical Center Birth Center is here for you.

“Our hospital consistently ranks in the top 20 in the nation among rural hospitals, according to the National Rural Health Association,” said Victor Khayat, MD, who is the chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department with New Ulm’s Birth Center.

Khayat said that for his patients, there is great value in the peace of mind that New Ulm Medical Center offers as they are preparing to give birth.

“We’re one of the few hospitals in greater Minnesota that offers 24/7 on-call coverage for obstetrician/ gynecologist and pediatrician services,” he explained. “We’re also the only hospital in our region to have the Children’s Minnesota Neonatal Telehealth Service that connects Children’s providers within minutes to our care teams.”

When your big day arrives, the team of board-certified obstetricians, family medicine physicians who perform obstetrics, pediatricians and experienced nurses will be ready to help you bring your little one into the world. In fact, New Ulm Medical Center is expanding the obstetrician team to help it serve families throughout the region. Keary Johnson, MD, is joining the New Ulm Medical Center team in August, and Ashleigh Swearingen, MD, starts in September.

“The Birth Center was remodeled in 2013. We listened to our patients who wanted more amenities and increased comfort,” said Marti Uhde, Birth Center manager. “We invested about $1 million to ensure that your birthing experience met your needs.”

The Birth Center includes six large, private, secure suites furnished not only with the equipment necessary to provide a safe delivery, but the amenities to help you and your family feel comfortable. The family friendly suites include a sleeper sofa for mom’s support person, a large screen television, free Wi-Fi, a full bathroom with tub, a microwave, mini refrigerator and the option to order from our full service menu.

To help you feel comfortable all the way through your birthing experience, the Birth Center offers massage therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture and acupressure. In addition, should complications arise, your care team has easy access to experts at The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern and Children’s Minnesota.

Other amenities include:

• Vaginal birth after C-section delivery option

• Lactation consultations

• Prenatal classes on labor and delivery options, relaxation, breathing and comfort techniques, the role of your birth partner, use and choice of medications and medical procedures, Cesarean birth, recovery, hospital stay and more

• Online video that gives overviews of The Birth Center and plans.

“Your baby is in good hands immediately after birth as we have a pediatrician on call 24/7 to address any issues,” said Daryn Collins, MD, a pediatrician at New Ulm Medical Center. “Plus, our partnership with Children’s Minnesota ensures we have excellent care for any babies who may have additional needs.”

If you would like more information about the Birth Center, please call 507-217-5333 or visit allinahealth.org/ NewUlmBirthCenter.