Women's Center at Avera McKennan

"I don't know how to express my gratitude to the entirety of the staff that curated our stay at Avera. Labor and Delivery, the OB Surgical Team, the Women's Center, the Food Service, Housekeeping, Etc. Everyone was kind, thoughtful, professional, and incredibly good at their jobs. I can't help but feel like we added more than just a beautiful baby boy to our family! We're gonna have another kid, just so we can go back. Ok, that's not exactly why; but we will be back when it's time for a sibling!"

"I had 2 awesome experiences at Avera Women's Center, with both my children. I consistantly saw the staff treating all us women with dignity and respect, despite their race. The nurses would coach my husband on how to best assist me during labor, they would demonstrate and he would mimicked. When my husband got tired they were willing to take a turn with me. My body was SO picky about labor positions, NOTHING was helping except the hip squeeze, which exerts allot of energy on the helpers part. One nurse endured it for 15mins, then took a break. They brought me waters, would knock before entering my labor and delivery room, not barge in all entitled as nurses. This was especially appreciated during periods of rest. During the pushing stage they were encouraging, never scolded, and made jokes here n there when the pain was over bearing, but it took my mind off the pain. Especially after my first child, I had torn and retained 12-15lbs of water. I was so bloated, couldn't use the rest room, just miserable, BUT the staff were sensitive to my body and my needs, and went above and beyond to accommodate. In recovery the food they served included many choices of fresh fruit, veggies, sandwiches, breads, proteins, and even desserts. I was easily able to stay on board with my gluten/dairy/sugar free diet. Upon my discharge on the 3rd day, my hormones were running lapse, I was excited but terrified to go home with my 1st child, I confessed I wasn't sure I could mother well, but they were insistent that I was capable & would learn fast. Which I did. I ever have a 3rd I will be going back."

"Your website says "Every expectant mother holds unique needs and hopes for delivery. Receive care specifically tailored to you and your baby during this special time when you develop a personal birth plan with your care team." This is not the case. Please train your staff to be sensitive to other peoples race & cultures as culture & spirituality play a HUGE role in birth. there is absolutely no excuse for hiring rude, insensitive, & racist staff. A white nurse even accused a mother of stealing her own baby. If you are indinginous/POC please explore birthing at another hospital. Avera is being reported for this incident."