When It Comes To Babies...KRHC Delivers!
Kossuth Regional Health Center offers a personalized and professional care experience for the birth of your baby. Bringing your baby into the world is one of life’s most beautiful and significant journeys. From the time you find out you are expecting, to the time your baby arrives, our highly qualified care team provides you with personalized, quality care as you welcome your new bundle of joy into your family.
At KRHC, we pride ourselves in going the extra mile during your birthing process. When delivering at KRHC, your baby will be welcomed into the world in a comfortable, safe and secure environment. Our team of physicians and nurses are ready to give you and your baby the best care possible.
In 2023 the KRHC OB Department received the highly coveted Women’s Choice Award for providing excellent Obstetrics Care. KRHC ranked in the Top 1% in the nation for OB Care when compared to 4600 hospitals nationwide.
Our top priority is to provide the highest quality care; therefore, we also work with the AIM Collaborative at the state level which is a data-driven maternal safety and quality improvement initiative. This collaboration assists with continuous improvement in our OB Department including the safe reduction of primary cesarean and maternal hemorrhage.
We’re confident that Kossuth Regional Health Center provides the highest quality maternity and obstetrics care. We welcome you to come and see what we have to offer! Learn what you can expect during your stay with us and take a virtual tour here. For more information about the obstetrics services at KRHC, contact Martha Hoffman, OB Coordinator, at 515-295-2451.
What To Expect
Your Care Team
Family physicians on the KRHC medical staff help hundreds of parents welcome babies into the world each year. All physicians and nursing staff who participate in the care of laboring mothers are nationally certified in fetal monitoring and trained in NRP, BCLS, ACLS and PALS. The OB nursing team is also trained in Spinning Babies techniques. Two physicians at KRHC perform cesarean section deliveries when needed.
KRHC offers three birthing suites, each equipped for labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum care. These spacious, private rooms allow families to enjoy the birth experience in a comfortable manner, surrounded by the family and friends they choose. The newest addition to your family can remain in your room or rest in the security of our nursery. Birthing suite furnishings include a rocker/recliner and a couch that folds out to accommodate a guest if needed. Each room also has a refrigerator that can be used by the patient and family.
Personalized, Comfortable Care
Parents receive the following during their stay:
- A free case of diapers at the time of delivery
- Halo Sleep Swaddle for baby provided by the KRHC Auxiliary
- YoMingo education available 24/7 including prenatal care information, newborn care, and more
- Room service meals for patient and one support person during the hospital stay
- When parents need quiet time, baby can be monitored in our nursery
KRHC offers three birthing suites, and each one is quipped for labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum care. These spacious, private rooms allow families to enjoy the birth experience in a comfortable manner, surrounded by the family and friends they choose. The newest addition to your family can remain in your room or rest in the security of our nursery. Birthing suite furnishings include a rocker/recliner and a couch that folds out to accommodate a guest if needed. Each room also has a refrigerator that can be used by the patient and family.
Amenities provided:
- Private suites
- Private bathroom
- Fold-out sofa
- Refrigerator
- Free Wifi
- Room service available
- 24-hour snack menu options
- Hospital grade breast pumps
Expecting mothers have many options when it comes to pain control during labor. KRHC offers a variety of choices, including:
- Epidural and intrathecal pain control
- IV pain medication and ambulation
- Inhaled Nitrous Oxide
- Shower
- Aroma tabs for relaxation
- Birthing ball/peanut ball/squat bar
- Wireless electronic fetal monitor available to allow more freedom of movement
Labor and Delivery staff offer support with initiation of breastfeeding following delivery. KRHC is pleased to offer individualized, one-one-one breastfeeding education from a lactation consultant upon request. Please call 515-295-4430 for more information on breastfeeding education. Education is also available 24/7 on the YoMingo online education platform.
Delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin is encouraged.
Newborn Hearing Screening performed by in-house staff. Coordination available with AEA if further hearing assessment or intervention is necessary.
Newborn Blood Screening where infants are screened for inherited diseases. Most infants with an inherited condition show no obvious signs of disease immediately after birth. However, with special tests, the newborn screening program can identify an infant who may have one of 50 disorders and alert the doctor and caregivers of the need for special care of the infant.
Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Screening for all newborns.
Jaundice Screening for newborns prior to discharge.
Home Visits Available to any mother after you leave the hospital with your newborn. A Community Health nurse can visit you at home for a baby weight check and/or breastfeeding support or to simply answer any other questions that may arise once you’ve returned home.
Expecting mothers have many options when it comes to pain control during labor. KRHC offers a variety of choices, including:
- Epidural and intrathecal pain control
- IV pain medication and ambulation
- Inhaled Nitrous Oxide
- Shower
- Aroma tabs for relaxation
- Birthing ball/peanut ball/squat bar
- Wireless electronic fetal monitor available to allow more freedom of movement
Virtual OB Tour
KRHC offers three birthing suites and each one is equipped for labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum care. These spacious, private rooms allow families to enjoy the birth experience in a comfortable manner, surrounded by the family and friends they choose. The newest addition to your family can remain in your room or rest in the security of our nursery. Birthing suite furnishings include a rocker/recliner and a couch that folds out to accommodate a guest if needed. Each room also has a refrigerator for use by the patient and family.
Before, During & After
Finding out you are pregnant is exciting news, often followed by many questions about what to expect and what comes next. Whether you are a first-time mom, or have multiple children, seeking prenatal care early in pregnancy is key to a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. Expecting mothers are encouraged to seek out parental care well before the birth of their baby. Regular prenatal care throughout your pregnancy helps to catch potential concerns early and reduces the risk of pregnancy and birth complications. Prenatal care should begin during the first trimester of pregnancy. As soon as you suspect you are pregnant, make an appointment with your provider.
Call the KRHC clinic at 515-295-7714 to schedule your initial OB visit.
Expecting parents are invited to attend childbirth education and breastfeeding classes at Kossuth Regional Health Center, taught by KRHC nursing staff and certified breastfeeding educators. Childbirth classes are offered on Saturdays and breastfeeding classes are held on Wednesdays throughout the year. Childbirth classes are free to those who plan to deliver at KRHC or for a fee of $25 if you plan to deliver elsewhere. Breastfeeding classes are free to all mothers.
To learn more or to register for a class, please call Community Health at 515-295-4430.
For mothers that choose to breastfeed, a breast pump can come in handy. Pumping can help build up your milk supply and enable someone else to feed your baby when you cannot. If you want your baby to have breast milk after you go back to work, for instance, a pump is a must-have item, as it allows you to express breast milk for a caregiver or partner, who can feed your baby when you’re not there.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), new moms are entitled to a free breast pump and supplies through their insurance. Breast pump coverage varies widely depending on the insurance you have. Since there are no standard guidelines, calling your insurance company is the best way to find specific details about your coverage.
Here are the questions you should ask:
- What types of breast pumps do you cover?
- Where can I get my pump?
- Do I have the option to upgrade my breast pump?
- Do I need a prescription?
- Do you cover hospital-grade pumps?
When you can get your pump also varies based on insurance company. Each company has different guidelines as to when your breast pump can be shipped. If you don’t get it while you’re pregnant, you can get it after you give birth. We suggest getting it in your third trimester, if possible, so you have one less thing to worry about once your little one is here.
All Things Baby In One Easy App
Kossuth Regional Health Center offers anytime, anywhere parent education powered by YoMingo®, an education program designed to give you convenient access to valuable information. It includes the tools and support you need at every stage.
YoMingo® gives you access to:
• Evidence-based information on prenatal care, labor and birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and newborn care including lots of videos
• Information specific to your arrival and stay at Kossuth Regional Health Center
• Kick counter, contraction timer, personal journal, feeding log, immunization log, and other tools
This education, powered by YoMingo®, is available on any device with an internet connection and also as a mobile app called myYoMingo®. It also comes in multiple languages.
Steps To Register:
- Click here to register.
- Once you have registered, you will receive an email invitation from noreply@myyomingo.com where you can create a unique password and login.
- You can also download an app for your mobile device by searching for “myYoMingo” in your app store.
- If you are already registered click here to login.
Disclaimer: The information in YoMingo® is NOT intended to take the place of a healthcare provider or any information that your healthcare provider has discussed with you about your own personal health. It is imperative and advised that you find care and work with your healthcare provider to keep yourself healthy and safe. Always call your healthcare provider with any questions you may have. By creating an account in YoMingo®, you have verified that you have read and agree to this disclaimer.
Mom & Baby Home Visits
Home visits by Community Health nurses can help get the family off to a good start after the baby is born. Visits are offered free of charge and are available to all new moms residing in Kossuth County regardless of where they delivered their baby. Visits may include:
- Check of baby’s weight and height
- Review baby’s sleeping, feeding, dirty diaper patterns
- Assess mom and baby to see them after coming home from the hospital
- Discuss resources for the family such as medical home, WIC, Title 19, Kossuth County Care Team, food stamps, insurance, daycare, etc.
- Remind family that mom and babe need to return to the doctor for baby check ups and immunizations and mom for six-week check up
The Community Health nurse may also cover subjects such as:
- Cord care
- Circumcision
- Bathing
- Breastfeeding
- Period of Purple Crying
- Pet Safety
- Growth/Development
- Maternal Depression (Baby Blues)
- Car seats
- Stress
- Smoking
- Breastfeeding Visits
A nurse will visit with you at the hospital and in your home to offer support and answer any questions you may have about choosing breastfeeding as a loving and nurturing way to feed your little one. All new mothers living in Kossuth County are eligible to access the home visit service, regardless of where you delivered your baby.
- When to feed the baby
- Frequency and length of feedings
- Feeding cues from baby
- How to know if baby is getting enough milk
- Wet and poopy diapers
- Latching on and positioning
- Sleepy babies
- Baby’s weight
- Increasing milk supply
- Supplementing
- Pumping for return to work or daycare
- Where to get a pump
During a home visit, the nurse will provide education and support to the new mom to find out if breastfeeding is going well. Some common causes for concern with breastfeeding may include:
- Engorgement
- Plugged ducts
- Mastitis
- Thrush/yeast infection
- Jaundice
- Babes latching on to start feeding
- Slow weight gain
For more information contact Community Health at the main line 515.295.2451 and ask to be directed.
Newborn Media Release
Congratulations on the birth of your little bundle of joy. We would love to help share your special news via social media and/or the newspaper! To participate, please complete the Newborn Media Release Form.
Thank you for choosing Kossuth Regional Health Center for the delivery of your baby and thank you for allowing us to share in this precious life event!
