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.
Related Info

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Watch & Learn
Brookings mom Kristina Lankow shares how a volunteer doula supported both herself and her husband during the birth of their son.
New moms Kirsten Gjesdal and Amy Verhelst share 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
Jan
New Beginnings Baby Café Breastfeeding Support Group
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
New Beginnings Baby Café supports breastfeeding mothers in every aspect of nursing, from starting to weaning and every variation in between.
Obstetrics Breastfeeding Support GroupFeb
New Beginnings Baby Café Breastfeeding Support Group
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
New Beginnings Baby Café supports breastfeeding mothers in every aspect of nursing, from starting to weaning and every variation in between.
Obstetrics Breastfeeding Support GroupObstetrics News
2021 New Year’s Baby Arrives on New Year’s Day at Brookings Health
Philippa Taylor Escondrillas Smith arrived at 6:06 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2021, making her the first baby of the New Year born at Brookings Health System.
Brookings Health Restarts Baby Café and Basic Life Support Classes
Brookings Health System recently restarted two in-person events, New Beginnings Baby Café and American Heart Association Basic Life Support classes.
New Maternal Fetal Monitoring System Increases Safety for Mothers & Babies at Brookings Health
Brookings Health System recently implemented a new maternal fetal monitoring system that further increases safety for both mothers and babies during childbirth at New Beginnings Birth Center.
Available At:
System Providers:

Kayla Hannemann, M.D.
- Primary Care
- Obstetrics
- Avera Medical Group - A Department of Brookings Health System

Rachel Sunne, M.D.
- Primary Care
- Obstetrics
- Avera Medical Group - A Department of Brookings Health System