Intermountain Health St. Mary’s is experiencing a 15% increase in births compared with the previous year
(PRUnderground) May 8th, 2026
While much of the U.S. is seeing birthrates fall, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo. is seeing a significant increase in deliveries.
St. Mary’s is experiencing a 15% increase in births compared with the previous year, while new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that national birth rates remain in decline.
The growth is being driven by families from across the greater Grand Junction area who are choosing to deliver at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital.
“The national data highlights just how notable this increase is for our region,” said Holly Smith, nurse clinical leader at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. “We’re seeing strong demand from families right here in our community.”
One of those families is Nevaeh LeBlanc, a 21-year-old first-time mother whose son, Klyde, was born 10 weeks early on April 19. Following his premature birth, Klyde was admitted to the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he received specialized care for severe jaundice.
“Coming into the NICU for the first time ever in my life was overwhelming,” LeBlanc said. “But they were the sweetest people. They’ve honestly been like friends to me through all of it.”
After spending his first days under phototherapy, Klyde has continued to make steady progress and is now gaining weight and growing stronger.
“He’s doing really, really good,” LeBlanc said. “He seems like he’s thriving right now.”
St. Mary’s Regional Hospital provides childbirth services that support a wide range of medical needs and birth plans, from uncomplicated pregnancies to high-risk care, ensuring families receive individualized support every step of the way.
“Our goal is to empower patients with choice and ensure they feel supported throughout their birth experience,” Smith said. “Whether that means a low intervention or unmedicated labor, different pain‑management options, a planned Cesarean section, or specialized care for complications, we’re equipped to meet each mother’s individual needs.”
Care is delivered by a coordinated team of certified nurse‑midwives, OB‑GYNs, 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 maintaining immediate access to advanced medical technology and clinical support.
“Providing these options within a hospital setting gives families flexibility while knowing advanced care is immediately available if needed,” Smith said.
That advanced care includes the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Western Colorado, offering 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 require assistance with breathing, feeding, or other medical interventions.
For LeBlanc, that combination of clinical expertise and emotional support made all the difference during an unexpected and stressful start to motherhood.
“They’ve been really helpful, especially with me being a new mom,” she said. “They answered all my questions, helped me find resources and support groups, and were there every step of the way.”
As national birthrates continue to decline, Smith says the local increase reflects continued trust in maternity care at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital.
“We are proud to support families during one of the most important moments of their lives,” Smith said.
For more information on Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Hospital maternity care, visit here.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a nonprofit health plan called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/. For more information, see intermountainhealth.org/ or call 801-442-2000.
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Original Press Release.
