Worth the Drive for this Mom: Jacksonville Memorial Hospital’s OB Care

Alison McGrane knew from experience she wanted her obstetrics care at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (JMH) for her third pregnancy. It didn’t matter she had recently moved more than two hours away.

The 25-year-old mother of three, now living in Labadie, Missouri, chose the JMH team for all three of her deliveries, trusting the same care team that had supported her growing family from the beginning.

“They truly want you to have a beautiful labor and treat you as their own family,” Alison said. “You are not just a number to them. Through all three of my pregnancies, I felt heard, seen and validated.”

Alison happened to be at a regularly scheduled appointment with her physician, Alexander Hrynewych, MD, with SIU Medicine, when she went into labor with their third child. She was admitted straight to Family Maternity Suites.

Deliveries at JMH have increased by 8% while outpatient visits for maternal services have increased by nearly 37% in the past year, according to JMH chief nursing officer Carrie Carls, DNP, RN, CHRN.

“We take pride in our team’s ability to provide high-quality obstetric services for our patients,” Carls said.

JMH has also received a national Baby-Friendly Hospital designation twice in a row, which is awarded to hospitals who give new mothers the information, education and resources they need to start their breastfeeding journey during their hospital stay.

Alison appreciated that support as she breastfed all three of her children, especially when two babies had tongue and lip ties that proved challenging.

“They made sure there was always someone to answer any questions and help me with each baby,” she said. “The resources they provided were amazing, and their help was so beneficial.”

Although Alison ultimately drove hours for her most recent pregnancy, she believes quality maternity care close to home is vital for families throughout the region.

“The type of care JMH provides is more than top quality,” Alison said. “From the physicians and nurses to the technicians and support staff, they all treat you like family.”