Obstetrics
Pregnancy and having a baby is one of the greatest joys in life, but childbirth is also one of the most challenging experiences. As a Baby-Friendly Hospital, our Brookings OB unit helps parents-to-be from across our community in this life-changing moment. In this section, you'll find helpful resources about our OB services at our New Beginnings Center, when to come to the hospital for delivery, breastfeeding, and postpartum care.
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Watch & Learn
New moms share their experiences delivering with New Beginnings Birth Center.
Brookings mom Rachelle Doudna explains how her attentive doctor and nurses improved her labor and delivery experience. Sian Dill discusses why she continues to choose New Beginnings Birth Center for her deliveries.
Third-time mom, Danielle Bonnema, loves labor and delivery at Brookings Health System. She shares her experience with our obstetrics team for her labor, delivery and postpartum care. SDSU doctoral student Cecilia Wanjuu shares her experience as a first-time mom.
New mom Kirsten Gjesdal shares how our staff helped ease their fears about delivering during a pandemic. OBGYN Dr. Tara Haarsma talks about labor and delivery including birth plans, stages of labor, and when you should come to the hospital.
Upcoming Classes & Events
Jun
Hybrid Postpartum Support Group
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
You do not have to handle life on your own. You deserve support during this time.
Obstetrics Support GroupHybrid Postpartum Support Group
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
You do not have to handle life on your own. You deserve support during this time.
Obstetrics Support GroupObstetrics News
‘Championship Baby’ Born at Brookings Health System
Just as the South Dakota State Jackrabbits officially became the FCS college football champions in Frisco, Texas, little girl Bailey was born to Shelby and Kelin Rang at Brookings Health System. Her official birth time was 4:06 p.m. on Jan. 8. She came in at an exact eight lbs. and measured 20 inches long.
Doula Training Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the Childbirth Professionals International Birth and Postpartum Doula workshop scheduled for Feb. 24 and 25 at Brookings Health System.
New Year’s Baby Arrives Jan. 1 at Brookings Health
Twenty-six months ago Vivek and Roshniben Patel, owners of the Quality Inn hotel in Brookings, delivered their son, Aarav, at New Beginnings Birth Center. This past Sunday, Jan. 1 at 4:42 p.m., the Patels found themselves in the exact same labor and delivery room welcoming their much-anticipated baby girl, Anaya.
Available At:
System Providers:

Emily Abele, M.D.
Overall Rating
- Obstetrics
- Gynecological Surgery
- Incontinence Surgery
- Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
- Brookings Hospital

Kirstin Sholes, M.D.
- Obstetrics
- Gynecological Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
- Brookings Hospital

Larissa Bennis, M.D.
- Obstetrics
- Gynecological Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
- Brookings Hospital

Tara Haarsma, D.O.
Overall Rating
- Obstetrics
- Gynecological Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
- Brookings Hospital