BROOKINGS — Brookings Health System recently added eNICU services and new obstetrical equipment to enhance delivery and nursery care at New Beginnings Birth Center. 

Brookings Health added eNICU consultations from Avera Health’s eNICU network to enhance emergency and Level II Special Care Nursery services for newborns who require closer monitoring or care after birth. Through the agreement, neonatal intensive care providers from Avera’s eNICU network will consult with a baby’s physician at New Beginnings Birth Center. 

“When a baby is born and requires moderate support, our goal is to keep them here in Brookings with their family,” said Obstetrics Director Michelle Sand, RN. “To meet that goal, our nurses and physicians at New Beginnings Birth Center are trained and have the equipment to be able to provide Level II Special Care Nursery support. Adding eNICU consultations will further help our care team to stabilize and support babies with these requirements to reduce the need for further neonatal intensive care services.”

To perform Level II Special Care Nursery monitoring, New Beginnings Birth Center is equipped with technology and supplies to support babies’ health, including warmers, neonatal CPAP, ventilator, micro IV syringe pumps, specialty feeding supplies, bilirubin blankets and lights and other life-saving equipment. Recently added to the birth center’s technology is a new monitor that screens babies for neonatal jaundice without taking a blood sample. 

In addition, Brookings Health also recently acquired a new birthing bed. The bed allows mothers freedom of movement throughout labor. It includes an integrated birthing bar to allow women to squat or lunge while giving birth. Brookings Health encourages expectant parents to labor in positions that are most comfortable and promote labor progression.

The new additions were made possible thanks to funds raised by Team Isaac and given to Brookings Health System Foundation. Team Isaac was established by Jason and Amber Hemmestad, along with their friends and family, in memory of their infant son, Isaac, who was born at Brookings Hospital and passed away at seven and a half months old from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Team Isaac’s mission is to provide awareness of SIDS and to help local babies reach their first steps. Funding is given to Brookings Health System Foundation to purchase Safe-to-Sleep gift packs for each baby born at Brookings Hospital as well as above-and-beyond items for the Isaac Scot Nursery and obstetrics unit. 

To continue raising funds to help local babies have the best start in life, Team Isaac will hold its 11th annual memorial golf tournament at Meadow Creek Golf Course in Volga on July 20. The event includes a raffle and silent auction from 2 to 7 p.m. Food will be served at the course by Midwest Fresh Catering from 5 to 8 p.m. Those interested in sponsoring the golf tournament can find more information on Team Isaac’s Facebook page. Donations can also be made to the Team Isaac Fund and to help continue Isaac Scot’s legacy at brookingshealth.org/Donate.

Obstetrics Director Michelle Sand tests the new eNICU consultation equipment and services with Avera Health personnel. The services enhance emergency and Level II Special Care Nursery services for newborns who require closer monitoring or care after birth at New Beginnings Birth Center. The new service addition plus additional OB equipment were made possible by funds raised by Team Isaac and given to Brookings Health System Foundation.