Local OBGYN with a Passion for Women’s Health [Dr. Tara Haarsma]

Video Transcript

My name is Dr. Tara Haarsma. I am an OB/GYN, and I chose an obstetrics and gynecologist profession because I really enjoy women's health, and I enjoy delivering babies.

Where did you attend medical school?

I went to medical school at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, which is in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and I did my residency training in Columbus, Ohio, at Doctors Hospital.

Why did you choose Brookings Health System?

I am originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and right after residency, I took position in St. Cloud, Minnesota. My family still all lives in Sioux Falls, and I really wanted to get back to the area. And we found out they had an opening in Brookings, and I came and interviewed, and did a tour of the community, and found out that it would be a perfect fit.

Are all labor and deliveries the same? 

Every pregnancy and childbirth will be different, even with the same mother, every pregnancy and their labor and delivery experience can be different each time. You know, your length of labor can depend on many different factors, such as the size of the baby, the size of your pelvis, the position that the baby is in, as well as how strong your contractions are.

What are your goals as an OB/GYN?

Our focus as your obstetrician and gynecologist is to follow your birth plan and to give you the best delivery experience possible. But ultimately, our goal is to have a healthy mom and a healthy baby.

Why should expectant parents choose Brookings Health System? 

So here in Brookings, we have three OB/GYNs, who manage both normal and high-risk pregnancies. We deliver babies that are over 35 weeks gestation. However, if there was that situation where a mother came in in labor, and it wasn't safe to transport her, and she happened to be less than 35 weeks pregnant, you can be reassured that all of our staff, the labor and delivery staff, the anesthesia, as well as the OB/GYN physicians are all certified and trained to manage neonatal resuscitation and pre-term infants.