newborn baby

Beautiful Beginnings, Close to Home

Having your baby at
Grand Island Regional Medical Center

The birth of your baby is one of the most exciting events in your life. At GIRMC, you'll experience a special place for that special moment. A modern environment designed with your comfort in mind and the expertise, compassion and care you expect. From the miracle of the first heartbeat to the exhilarating moment of first breath, we are honored to share in one of life's most precious moments, the birth of your baby.

Expert, Personalized Care for You and Your Baby

Take a virtual walkthrough of our maternity center


Maternity Center


NICU

At Grand Island Regional Medical Center, we Offer:

  • Private, intimate birthing suites
  • Expert care for your newborn
  • 24-hour care by doctors and nurses
  • A place to sleep for family and friends
  • Onsite lactation services
  • Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • C-section suite equipped with a camera over baby for Mom to see on a screen above operating table
  • Full-size jacuzzi tub
  • Various pain management options, 24/7 anesthesia coverage
  • Refrigerator in every room
  • Convenient room service, offering a wide variety of menu selections
  • Mom and guest eat for free
  • Flat-screen televisions
  • Free Wifi

Having a Baby at Grand Island Regional Medical Center

Birth Options for Your Unique Delivery

It's never too soon to start planning for your baby's birth. As your due date gets closer, you will have plenty of questions. It's also normal to have thoughts and feelings about labor and delivery, including fear of the unknown.

Learning about your options early in your pregnancy and talking to your doctor will help you decide what is best for you. Whether you prefer a natural birth, pain medications or other methods to help during labor, the choice is yours.

Learn about the many options at Grand Island Regional Medical Center to help you welcome your little one to the world.

What to Bring

With the birth of your baby on the horizon, you already have a lot on your mind. Use our simple checklist of what to bring with you during your stay at Kearney Regional Medical Center for you and your baby.

Here is our list of recommended items during your stay:

For Labor

  • Your birth plan
  • Insurance card
  • Chapstick
  • Massage oil
  • Massage tools such as tennis balls in a sock, foam noodle
  • Relaxing music on a CD
  • You can bring your own birth ball if you like
  • Hair tie or barrette, if you think you may need them
  • Comfort Skills class materials

After Labor

  • Personal items such as a bathrobe, nightgown, slippers
  • Healthy snacks such as granola bars, crackers, fruit, etc. It is likely that you will be hungry after labor, so make sure to stock up on healthy, plentiful snacks. Our nourishment center also has many snacks available
  • Toiletries
  • A nursing bra and breast pads
  • A going-home outfit. Keep in mind that you will probably need an elastic waistband; you may still look five-six months pregnant

For Your Partner/Labor Coach

  • Basic toiletries
  • Money for vending machines
  • Reading materials
  • Change of clothes and clothes for sleeping
  • A camera or video camera and film, memory card or batteries

For Your Baby

  • A going-home and picture outfit
  • A pair of socks or booties
  • A cap
  • An infant car seat
  • A blanket, depending on the weather

Breastfeeding Support

Our lactation support teams is available to meet with you after your baby’s birth. They will share information about breastfeeding and provide support as you learn how to feed your baby. Continued lactation support is available even after you go home with your baby. We're here to help you! Contact our lactation consultant anytime by calling: 308-850-2944.

Learn more about our excellent breastfeeding support.

What to Expect After Birth

You will enjoy a comfortable, private birthing suite for your labor and delivery. An in-room jacuzzi tub is available to help with relaxation and pain control. In the event of a cesarean delivery, a state-of-the-art surgical suite is located just across the hall.

After delivery, you and your family will enjoy a private recovery room to bond as a new family. When you’re resting, your baby can stay safe and secure in our locked and monitored nursery. We encourage you to have your baby in your room as much as possible to help with breastfeeding and bonding.

Before going home with your baby, you will receive personalized instructions on newborn care. We recommend regular well-child exams with our one of our family doctors to ensure your baby is growing and healthy.

Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

We’re here to give your baby the best possible start in life. If your baby needs extra care, our Level II: Advanced Newborn Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has private rooms for you to bond with your baby while receiving optimum care with state-of-the-art technology. Not only will you experience a close-knit team of nurses who care about you and your baby’s health, but you’ll also have a team of neonatal nurse practitioners and a neonatologist (available 24/7) focused on your success. Our NICU is specially designed to treat babies born at 32 weeks or older who may need specialized care.

Learn more about our advanced newborn care.

Think You Might be Pregnant?

We're here to help you through all stages of your pregnancy. From finding a doctor to holding your newborn for the first time.

Signs and symptoms of pregnancy

Know the signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
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Due Date Calculator

Find out when your baby could be due.
Due Date Calculator

Get the Bryan Baby App

Get the Bryan Baby App.
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Find a Doctor

One of the first things you'll want to do if you think you're pregnant, is schedule an appointment with your doctor.

View providers that deliver at Grand Island Regional Medical Center.

Grand Island Clinic


Prenatal Care

The key to protecting the health of your child is regular prenatal care. If you think you're pregnant, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Initial Nurse Visit

    Your initial nurse visit will be a one-on-one consultation. You will:

    • Review your medical history
    • Learn what to expect during pregnancy
    • Complete initial lab work
    • Schedule your first visit with your doctor
    • Plan your first ultrasound

    First doctor visit

    At your first visit, your doctor will determine how many weeks pregnant you are based on a physical examination and the date of your last period. He or she will also use this information to predict your delivery date. An ultrasound performed during your pregnancy will help verify that date.

    Regular doctor visits

    Your next step will be regular visits with your doctor.

    • Every four weeks through week 30
    • Every two weeks through week 36
    • Every week until delivery

    Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will check your weight and blood pressure while also checking the growth and development of your baby. He or she will do this by feeling your abdomen, listening for the fetal heartbeat, and measuring your belly). During your pregnancy, you'll also have prenatal tests, including blood, urine, and cervical tests, and at least one ultrasound.

    Pre-admission visit

    Starting between 26 to 28 weeks, your physician's office will provide you with information to schedule a pre-admission phone call to ensure all your questions are answered. During this phone call you will:

    • Pre-admit for delivery
    • Discuss pain control options
    • Determine your birthing preferences and feeding plans
    • Answer any additional questions you may have

    Classes, Education and Resources

    Welcoming a new member into your family is a wonderful, life-changing event. We're here to help you and your family prepare, not only for the birth but also for life after baby.

    Essentials of Childbirth

      This is a three-part childbirth class, with sessions held from 6:30 - 9 p.m. on each evening.

      Cost: $60

      When: Class fee includes all three sessions.

      Directions: Please meet at the Bryan Health Northwest Commons Building, located at 2208 North Webb Rd., Unit 4, Grand Island, NE 68803. Use the doorway under the west awning.

      Register Online

      Contact

      Maternity Services Unit at 308-675-4583 or send an email

      Breastfeeding Basics 101

      Step-by-Step Guide of what to expect after giving birth, how to establish and build your milk supply and how to's for pumping and storing breast milk.

      Cost: $30 per couple

      Class fee includes expectant mother and birth coach.

      When: Our breastfeeding basics classes occur on every 3rd Monday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m.

      Directions: Please meet at the Bryan Health Northwest Commons Building, located at 2208 North Webb Rd., Unit 4, Grand Island, NE 68803. Use the doorway under the west awning.

      Register Online

      Contact

      Maternity Services Unit at 308-675-4583 or send an email

      Breastfeeding: Returning to Work

      Returning to work doesn't have to mean the end of your breastfeeding journey. This class will provide practical tips for balancing breastfeeding and work, including pumping, milk storage and handling, creating a feeding plan, and helping your baby adjust to changes in feeding routines.

      Cost: $15

      When: Our returning to work classes occur on every 1st Monday of the month from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

      Directions: Please meet at the Bryan Health Northwest Commons Building, located at 2208 North Webb Rd., Unit 4, Grand Island, NE 68803. Use the doorway under the west awning.

      Register Online

      Contact

      Maternity Services Unit at 308-675-4583 or send an email

      Breastfeeding: Intro to Solid Foods

      Ready to start solids? This class will help you feel confident taking the next step in your baby's feeding journey. You'll learn how to introduce solids, signs of readiness and more.

      Cost: $15

      When: Our introduction to solid food classes occur on every 2nd Monday of the month from 5-7 p.m.

      Directions: Please meet at the Bryan Health Northwest Commons Building, located at 2208 North Webb Rd., Unit 4, Grand Island, NE 68803. Use the doorway under the west awning.

      Register Online

      Contact

      Maternity Services Unit at 308-675-4583 or send an email

      Watch Me Grow Support Group

      Watch Me Grow is our support group for breastfeeding mothers! It is a wonderful place to find support among friends, and our Lactation Consultant! Not only is it a place for support, but we also celebrate special achievements such as breastfeeding milestones!

      Cost: Free

      When: Classes take place on Mondays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m.

      Directions: Please meet at the Bryan Health Northwest Commons Building, located at 2208 North Webb Rd., Unit 4, Grand Island, NE 68803. Use the doorway under the west awning.

      Learn More

      Contact

      Maternity Services Unit at 308-675-4583 or send an email

      Bryan Baby App

      The Bryan Baby App has everything you need to stay healthy throughout pregnancy, prep for baby's big arrival and settle into parenthood.

      The Bryan Baby App gives you access to:

      • Evidence-based articles and videos
      • Maternity tools to count kicks, track contractions and more
      • View and track milestones
      • Information to prepare for your stay at Crete Area Medical Center
      • Plus so much more!

      Learn More and Register

      Schedule a Tour

      Join us for a tour of our Labor and Delivery Unit, C-section Suite, Postpartum Unit, and Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. You will hear about the options for labor support, staff engagement in working with patients to achieve their delivery and initial post-partum goals, unit safety, and more.

      Cost: Free

      When: Our maternity center group tours occur on every 3rd Monday of the month from 6-6:30 p.m.

      Directions: Please enter the Grand Island Regional Medical Center Maternity Center entrance, located on the east side of the hospital. The tour will begin at the maternity center entrance waiting room.

      Following the maternity center tour will be our Breastfeeding Basics 101 Class from 7-8:30 p.m.

      If interested, private tours are also available, and can be scheduled by calling 308-675-4583.

      Contact

      Maternity Services Unit at 308-675-4583 or send an email

      Breastfeeding Celebration

      Celebrate the incredible journey you and your baby have shared! This special class honors families who have reached their breastfeeding goals while providing an opportunity to reflect, celebrate successes, share experiences, and feel proud of all you have accomplished together.

      Cost: Free

      When: Celebrations occur every fourth Monday of the month at Bryan Health Northwest Commons, 5 - 7 p.m.

      Directions: Please meet at the Bryan Health Northwest Commons Building, located at 2208 North Webb Rd., Unit 4, Grand Island, NE 68803. Use the doorway under the west awning.

      Learn More

      Contact

      Maternity Services Unit at 308-675-4583 or send an email

      Additional services & resources to help you through all stages of your pregnancy

      AIM Logo

      Committed to You & Your Baby

      As an active participant in the National Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM), Bryan Health is committed to the highest level of safety and quality to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.