Pregnancy Care & Birthing Center

At Astera Health, we are as excited about your new arrival as you are. We also understand that you may have many questions as you prepare for your little one. From prenatal care to delivery—and care after—our trusted team is here for you every step of the way. Find the education, resources and support you need to make your birthing experience everything you hope it will be.

New, Modern Birthing Suites - Delivering You Our Best

Welcome your baby where you feel comfortable—in our stunning new birthing suites designed with your care and comfort in mind. Each spacious, private suite features state-of-the-art advancements and a full range of amenities to help customize the birthing experience of your dreams, including beautiful artwork by Minnesota artisans, a 54” television, and a personal refrigerator.

Our facility offers modern, clean, and comfortable birthing suites. Each features a large tub and a warm, bright environment to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible.

Astera Health’s first newborn
Astera Health welcomed its first newborn into the world shortly after opening the new campus in March 2023. Carly Drake shares her birthing experience and why she chose Astera Health.

Hala Madi, MD, OBGYN
“My passion and purpose to work with women includes my interest in providing a comprehensive approach to healthcare.”

Allison Freese-Johnson, CNM
Truly believes the patient-provider relationship should be a collaborative effort. This two-person team helps make your birthing experience a memorable experience. Allison is accepting new patients at the Astera Health – Wadena Clinic.

Dawn Dahlgren-Roemmich, CNM
Loves making the journey of pregnancy to birth a joyous event for the family.

Julie Meyer, MD
Caring for others has been a big part of Dr. Meyer’s life whether it’s for her patients or family.

Shaneen Schmidt, MD
Patients are part of her family.

Laura DuChene, MD
Loves being a Mom and physician.

Bobbi Adams, MD
Bobbi Adams, MD discusses her path to becoming a physician and her love for the work she does.

CONTACT US

Astera Health – Wadena Clinic

421 11th St. NW, Wadena, MN 56482

Clinic Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lab appointments begin at 7:30 a.m.

Make an Appointment: 218-631-3510
Prenatal Education: 218-631-7538
Lactation: 218-632-8741
Labor & Delivery: 218-632-8770

Labor Pain Relief Options

We realize the birth of your child will be one of the most important experiences in your life, which is why we are committed to making this event as safe and comfortable as possible for you and your baby.

Epidural

This is placed in the same area as the intrathecal injection, and then a catheter is threaded in. This allows a continuous epidural drip to run and give pain relief until your baby is born. You will need to stay in bed until the effects wear off. (Intrathecal injections and epidurals are often used together.)

Intrathecal injection

A shot is given in your back that numbs the area of pain for two to three hours and gives immediate relief. You will need to stay in bed after the injection.

Nitrous oxide

Your labor and delivery team members are specialists in using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for pain relief. It is gentle to laboring mothers. The effects are immediate and powerful enough to help with painful contractions. You are in control of how much or how little you use, and the medication fades from your system within minutes.

Spinal or general anesthesia

Is used for Cesarean sections.

Water births

Our team has been specially trained to assist mothers with water births. Laboring or giving birth in a warm-water tub can help take the edge off the pain and give mothers a little more control over their bodies.

Other pain relief options include giving narcotics intravenously and using our tubs for comfort during your labor.

Pregnancy Guide

Astera offers a pregnancy guide for moms who receive their obstetrics care and deliver at AH. Full of facts, tips and information for expectant moms on subjects ranging from what to expect during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding, to the importance of self-care, care of baby at home, and so much more. The pregnancy guide covers a full spectrum of information from the moment a woman finds out she’s pregnant to caring for baby at home.

Specialized care – from people who care

Our experienced team of family practice providers, an OB/GYN, a certified nurse midwife, and labor and delivery nurses are honored to help with one of life’s most important moments – the birth of your child. From our exceptional hospital and birthing suites to caring providers who take the time to truly get to know you, you are more than just another patient on a schedule. We are here to provide personalized prenatal care, regular checkups, or group support in a welcoming, friendly environment. That’s the Astera promise.

Are you looking for a provider? Check out our provider directory.

Education/Classes

Prenatal Education

At Astera, we believe prenatal and breastfeeding education is the most effective way for new parents to help prepare for childbirth and early parenting. We offer one-to-one education for moms during clinic visits.

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety while increasing strength and flexibility, which are beneficial for childbirth. Astera offers this weekly class free of charge to all expectant mothers.

Car Seat Checks

Astera reminds parents to use car seats to keep babies and young children safe while riding in vehicles.

Milk Depot

Astera’s milk depot helps make it possible and convenient for mothers with extra milk to share the gift with infants in need.

Safe Place for Newborns

Astera is a Safe Place for you and your newborn. A Safe Place means you have the option of leaving your unharmed newborn (up to seven days old) at the emergency room of any hospital or urgent care facility in Minnesota during its hours of operation or having an ambulance dispatched in response to a 911 call – no questions asked.

Circumcision

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin on the head of the penis. Many parents choose to have their baby circumcised for religious, traditional, and medical reasons. The procedure is often performed within the first two weeks of your baby being born.

Circumcision Billing

Circumcisions are usually performed in the hospital soon after delivery. We have providers who can perform them in the clinic within the first 14 days of your baby being born.
A discounted pre-payment in the amount of $350 will be due before the circumcision can be performed.
The financial assistance program does not cover circumcisions.
All patients are required to sign a waiver. This includes advanced notice to all patients advising if your baby is placed on Medicaid, the service will not be covered as it is considered cosmetic.
For patients with commercial insurance, when your claim processes, we will apply your credit to any co-pay, deductible, and/or co-insurance amount. Any remaining credit will be refunded by check. This check will come from Astera Health.
If you change your mind and want a circumcision after 2 weeks of having your baby, you will be referred to a specialist as the procedure is far more complicated after 14 days.

The National Institutes of Health offers information about the risks and benefits of circumcision.

Blue Band Initiative

The Blue Band Initiative is an effort to alert healthcare providers about a patient’s risk for preeclampsia. Patients at risk will wear a blue wristband during pregnancy and after delivery of their babies. If asked to wear a blue band, keep it on until your provider removes it or tells you to remove it.

Preeclampsia resources for providers:

Preeclampsia resources for patients: