The Center of Attention: Personalized care for new moms and growing families

Kendra and Nick Marvin of Warroad celebrate the arrival of son Callen Joseph in one of LifeCare Medical Center’s private birthing suites.

Many things have changed over the years in the world of obstetrics.

Gone are the stereotypical days of anxious parents being separated into waiting rooms and cold institutional delivery rooms.

Today’s new parents expect an open and modern approach to this life-celebrating event: a friendly and calm physician, caring nurses, private birthing suites, and all the amenities of a fancy hotel.

Happily, many young couples and their families have found all this and more at LifeCare’s Birthing Center.

Constructed during a major renovation project in 2001, LifeCare’s Birthing Center includes private suites for its maternity patients.

Here, new moms experience labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum care in their own private rooms, beautifully furnished with hardwood furniture, cozy blankets, rocking chair, and a jacuzzi tub.

Families Welcome

Years ago, family and friends were required to make an appointment to see a new baby.

By contrast, today’s birthing center follows a family focused model of care where the door is always open for family visits.

The arrival of Callen Joseph Marvin marks Dr. Ronald Brummer’s 1,000th delivery since joining LifeCare in 1983. Callen is the son of Nick and Kendra Marvin of Warroad. Six of LifeCare’s ten medical staff have delivered a total of over 5,000 babies while working at LifeCare. They include Dr. Ralph Herseth, Dr. Ronald Brummer, Dr. Bryon VandeWege, Dr. Bob Anderson, Dr. Luis Jain, and Dr. Deb Erickson.

One of the many healthcare providers to appreciate these changes is LifeCare nurse Sharon Vacura, LPN, who has worked with new moms and babies for more than 25 years.

“One of the best changes I have seen in the birthing process over the years is the involvement of dads and other family members,” Vacura says. “A special connection develops when a baby is born. It is very emotional seeing parents and family members express their joy when they see their brand new baby for the first time.”

At LifeCare, fathers and their new babies are encouraged to spend most of their time in the mother’s room so together they can enjoy the home like atmosphere designed to help them relax throughout the experience.

Vacura says the memories from giving birth last a lifetime and are the reason she and her colleagues do everything they can to assist new parents and their babies.

“As nurses we hope to be remembered for the attention that we give our patients,” she says. “Hopefully that care and education will be passed on to generations to come.”

LifeCare’s Medical Staff

Not to be overlooked for their role in childbirth, the current medical staff has delivered a combined total of over 5,000 babies during their careers as doctors at LifeCare.

The first baby born at LifeCare in December 2011 is Taylor Graci Hedlund, daughter of Carrie and Darren Hedlund of Roseau. The three are pictured here along with her big brother Beau and big sister Camdyn.

To their credit, some of these physicians are nearing or have surpassed 1,000 deliveries.

In December, Dr. Ronald Brummer delivered a healthy son to Nick and Kendra Marvin of Warroad.

The birth of Callen Joseph Marvin marked the 1,000th delivery for Dr. Brummer since he joined the hospital’s medical staff in 1983.

In addition to Dr. Brummer, the list of OB physicians at LifeCare includes Dr. Ralph Herseth, Dr. Bryon VandeWege, Dr. Bob Anderson, Dr. Luis Jain, Dr. Deb Erickson, and Dr. Anthony Anderson.

They will be joined by Dr. Lavanya Bhoopathy when she starts her practice at LifeCare in September.

Volunteer Handiwork

Some of the most treasured memories for new families are inspired by LifeCare’s dedicated volunteers.

Taylor Graci Hedlund is all bundled up in her Christmas stocking, which was hand made and donated by the Roseau Area Health Care Auxiliary.

One shining example of this is the LifeCare tradition of sending home December babies in handmade oversized Christmas stockings. These special mementos are the result of hours of work by members of the Roseau Area Health Care Auxiliary.

Volunteers also prepare a beautiful gift basket for the first baby born in the new year.

This year’s recipient was Brylee Jane, born January 3 to Brittany Grawberger and Matt Melgaard.

And like clockwork, Nurse Vacura was there to help.

“I enjoy working in all areas of the hospital,” said Vacura, “but the birthing center is my favorite. Helping a family feel safe and comfortable as they celebrate such a special milestone is extremely rewarding.”

To learn more about LifeCare’s birthing suites, please call (218) 463-2500.