Women's Center at Avera St. Mary’s Pierre

Having a child may be one of the most memorable moments in your life. Whether you’re a new mom going through the delivery or a proud father bursting with joy and excitement, Avera St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, SD, strives to make your moment a wonderful experience at the Women's Center.

Personalized Birth Experience

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.

Compassionate Birth Care 24/7

Trust the advanced technology and expert providers at Avera St Mary’s Hospital, supported by the strength of the Avera system. No matter when your baby is ready to arrive, our experienced care team helps guide you through the birthing process step by step. You’ll enjoy 24/7 access to our experienced team of obstetrics/gynecology specialists, pediatricians and family physicians.

Should your newborn need additional attention at an Avera neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), find comfort in knowing that all of our obstetrics nurses hold certification in Neonatal Life Support and S.T.A.B.L.E. for safe emergency transportation.

The Women's Center Amenities

With our dedicated staff, spacious labor and delivery rooms, delicious meals and great gifts, you’re sure to have a safe and comfortable stay. Enjoy amenities such as:

• Private labor and delivery room with full bath and entertainment center
• Staff nursery available 24/7 to care for you newborn while you rest
• Free library with a variety of books and movies

Feel welcome and at home by enjoying free snacks and drinks from our 24/7 snack bar. You can also invite family and friends to visit and meet your newborn at the Women's Center.

Women's Center Photo Tour

Welcome to the Avera Women’s Center in Pierre. Please take a look at our beautiful facility where you will experience one of the best joy’s of your life. We are honored you chose Avera.

Upon arrival to the Women’s Center, you will be placed in one of our state-of-the-art labor and delivery rooms. You will remain in this room until after the birth of your baby.

Our labor and delivery rooms feature an HD TV, birthing bed, a storage cabinet holding labor supplies and plenty of space for your belongings, as well as a recliner for your support person. 

Upon admission, you will be monitored by a centralized fetal monitor system. The monitor depicts the baby’s heart rate, as well as contractions. Additional portable fetal monitors are available if you are allowed to ambulate during labor. Your provider is able to view this system at the office, at home, or on their phone -- keeping them abreast of your progress.

Alternative view of the birthing room.

Your infant will be placed in one of our bassinets during their stay. Infants must be transported to and from the nursery in the bassinet. For safety and security reasons, infants are never to be carried in the hallways. 

Support for New Parents

Taking care of yourself and a newborn can be challenging. Thankfully, you’re not alone as you navigate parenthood. You’ll appreciate free access to a variety of support services including breastfeeding and lactation services, childbirth education classes and educational videos about infant care, CPR and car seat safety.

Baby Talk

Learn more about how to care for your newborn while watching episodes of Baby Talk on the patient channel. Ask your nurse for a specific TV guide featuring the times and descriptions of Baby Talk episodes scheduled to air during your stay.

Bright Beginnings

Gain confidence to safely take your newborn home with Avera St. Mary’s Bright Beginnings program. Talk with a nurse one-on-one before you go home. Get answers to your questions and an assessment of your newborn’s health so you can start the new, exciting journey of parenthood with peace of mind.

Newborn Bathing

As a new parent, you may experience the common concern about making your newborn feel uncomfortable during a bath. Learn the best techniques for bathing and dressing as you gain confidence during a private training session with your nurse.

Women's Center Booklet

Before going home, you’ll receive "Women's Center" booklet featuring answers to commonly asked questions about a variety of parenting topics such as:

• Bottle-feeding and breastfeeding
• Crying and comforting techniques
• Infant development and safety
• Newborn care
• Postpartum care
• Sucking and pacifiers
• Vaccinations