{"id":631460,"date":"2026-05-08T19:31:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T19:31:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/631460\/"},"modified":"2026-05-08T19:31:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T19:31:10","slug":"intermountain-health-st-marys-regional-hospital-sees-baby-boom-as-u-s-birthrates-decline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/631460\/","title":{"rendered":"Intermountain Health St. Mary\u2019s Regional Hospital Sees Baby Boom as U.S. Birthrates Decline"},"content":{"rendered":"


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At a time when birthrates continue to fall across much of the United States, Intermountain Health St. Mary\u2019s Regional Hospital is seeing a significant increase in deliveries.<\/p>\n

St. Mary\u2019s\u00a0is experiencing a 15% increase in births compared with the previous year, while new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> show that national birth rates remain in decline. \u00a0<\/p>\n

The growth is being driven by families from across the greater Grand Junction area who are choosing to deliver at St. Mary\u2019s Regional Hospital. \u00a0<\/p>\n

“The national data highlights just how notable this increase is for our region,\u201d said Holly Smith, nurse clinical leader at St. Mary\u2019s Regional Hospital. \u201cWe\u2019re seeing strong demand from families right here in our community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

One of those families is Nevaeh LeBlanc, a\u00a021-year-old first-time mother whose son, Klyde, was born\u00a010 weeks\u00a0early on April 19. Following his premature birth, Klyde was admitted to the hospital\u2019s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he received specialized care\u00a0for\u00a0severe jaundice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cComing into the NICU for the first time ever in my life was overwhelming,\u201d LeBlanc said. \u201cBut they were the sweetest people.\u00a0They\u2019ve\u00a0honestly been like friends to me through all of it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

After spending his first days under phototherapy, Klyde has continued to make steady progress and is now gaining weight and growing stronger.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing really, really good,\u201d LeBlanc said. \u201cHe seems like he\u2019s thriving right now.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

St. Mary\u2019s Regional Hospital provides childbirth services that support a wide range of medical needs and birth plans,\u00a0from uncomplicated pregnancies to\u00a0high-risk\u00a0care,\u00a0ensuring families receive individualized support every step of the way.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal is to empower patients with choice and ensure they feel supported throughout their birth experience,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWhether that means a\u00a0low intervention\u00a0or unmedicated labor, different\u00a0pain\u2011management\u00a0options, a planned Cesarean section, or specialized care for complications, we\u2019re equipped to meet each mother\u2019s individual needs.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Care is delivered by a coordinated team of certified\u00a0nurse\u2011midwives, OB\u2011GYNs, nurses, and specialty staff who support mothers, babies, and families throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and recovery. Labor and delivery rooms are designed to promote comfort, mobility, and bonding, while\u00a0maintaining\u00a0immediate access to advanced medical technology and clinical support.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cProviding these options within a hospital setting gives families flexibility while knowing advanced care is immediately available if needed,\u201d Smith said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

That advanced care includes the only Level III\u00a0Neonatal Intensive Care Unit\u00a0(NICU)\u00a0in Western Colorado,\u00a0offering specialized treatment for premature infants and newborns with complex medical conditions. The NICU is staffed by neonatologists, specially trained nurses, and pediatric subspecialists, and is equipped to support babies who may\u00a0require\u00a0assistance\u00a0with breathing, feeding, or other medical interventions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For LeBlanc, that combination of clinical\u00a0expertise\u00a0and emotional support made all the difference during an unexpected and stressful start to motherhood.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been really helpful, especially with me being a new mom,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u201cThey answered all my questions, helped me find resources and support groups, and were there every step of the way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

As national birthrates continue to decline,\u00a0Smith says\u00a0the local increase reflects continued trust in maternity care at St. Mary\u2019s Regional Hospital.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are proud to support families during one of the most important moments of their lives,\u201d Smith said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For more information on Intermountain Health St. Mary\u2019s Hospital maternity care, visit\u00a0here.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

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