BABY ECHOES. For more than two decades, local Dawn Gosse has offered expecting parents and families the opportunity to see their little prior to birth through Baby Echoes' various ultrasound offerings.

The first ultrasound of a baby can be a moment which forever changes the trajectory of a parent’s journey. For over 20 years, Dawn Gosse, owner of Baby Echoes 3D/4D Ultrasound Studio (3119 Golf Rd., Suite 103, Eau Claire), has held onto this belief while serving expecting parents of the Chippewa Valley.

“I know that probably sounds a little cheesy, but every time I see a little baby and families get to see (their baby) — and sharing if the baby's a boy or a girl — it’s just a really special experience,” Dawn said. “Being able to be part of that journey with people is awesome.”

Before opening Baby Echoes in 2002, Dawn completed her ultrasound studies at the Chippewa Valley Technical College. She then gained real-time experience working in an ultrasound role at a women’s clinic in Woodbury, Minn..

She quickly discovered performing baby ultrasounds was her favorite part of the job. This led Gosse to envision a space where more parents and families could have access to the special and intimate moments of an ultrasound — typically only shared between parents and primary care providers.

Gosse shared the push to open her own brick-and-mortar business came from within her own family: “My daughter was actually pregnant and she was trying to get into someplace (for) an ultrasound,” Gosse said, but she faced struggles to get an appointment without weeks of delay.

Her daughter’s friend — also pregnant at the time — faced similar delays with her primary care providers. Gosse’s daughter encouraged her, saying, “Mom, you should just do this. Open up an ultrasound studio, see what happens.” And so, Gosse did.

From simple check-ins to gender reveals and more, Baby Echoes' services complement – but do not replace – health care services. 

Over two decades later, Baby Echoes 3D/4D Ultrasound Studio offers three core “entertainment services:” early ultrasounds, gender reveal sessions and 3D/4D ultrasounds.  The business does not provide health care services like a typical medical provider — instead, sessions act as a complement to them, for expecting parents and families who seek additional ultrasound visits outside of what typically is provided with insurance.

An early ultrasound, Gosse said, are typically catered toward parents who are only a few weeks along and might be curious about confirming their pregnancy. Dawn said she will perform this service as early as six weeks — in the typical 40-week pregnancy length — to see if the infant is in utero. This service can be followed by additional scans around eight or nine weeks, she said, to see the baby’s heartbeat.

The gender reveal sessions are often Gosse’s favorite, she shared. These are typically offered after 14 weeks of pregnancy and have quickly become one of Baby Echoes’ most popular services — where many family members can be included in the often-celebratory occasion.

“I want to (offer) something that is fun for families,” Dawn said to describe the gender reveal offerings. “They can bring their little kids in, grandmas and grandpas — they can bring their whole (family) and just enjoy (the) experience altogether.”

Baby Echoes is located at 3119 Gold Rd., Suite 103, Eau Claire. Call or check out the business's Facebook page to learn more.

While the 3D/4D ultrasounds — a key part of Baby Echoes’ moniker — can be offered at any time during a pregnancy, after 24 weeks Gosse will encourage clients to seek out this service; when the baby has developed more facial features. These sessions provide video snippets of the baby's movement, offering a dynamic alternative to a still photo, Gosse said.

On a seasonal basis, Baby Echoes 3D/4D Ultrasound Studio will offer low- and no-cost 2D ultrasounds to a small number of patients. These “free ultrasound” days are first come first serve; clients receive four-inch-by-six-inch photos of their ultrasound and the opportunity for upgrades to additional 3D/4D packages.

Session packages range from $88-$148 pending on length of the appointment and other add-ons, Gosse said. She welcomes all types of families to gather in a comfortable setting, like Baby Echoes’ — bring home long-lasting memories — and cherish the “special moments” of new parenthood.

To learn more about Baby Echoes 3D/4D Ultrasound Studio (3119 Golf Rd., Suite 103, Eau Claire) — and keep up with seasonal, free ultrasound offerings — visit the business' Facebook page online (@babyechoes2021) or call (715) 579-8429 to schedule an appointment.