Labor and Delivery
Their biggest moment deserves the gentlest of care.
Our trusted maternity team is here when you want to start a family or raise the healthiest one. From women’s health to prenatal and newborn care, we deliver exceptional personalized care—even to those without a name yet.
Maternity care for every stage of your journey.
Every pregnancy is different, and every stage brings new questions. Wherever you are right now, we’ll meet you there with maternity care that fits your needs.
Planning and preconception
Thinking about getting pregnant? Talk with our OB/GYN and women’s health providers about your health, medications, fertility options, and goals so you can feel ready for what’s ahead.
Prenatal checkups and monitoring
From your first positive test to your third trimester, prenatal visits, labs, and ultrasounds help us check on you and your baby.
Labor, delivery and your birth plan
When it’s time to deliver, you’ll have a private birthing suite, pain relief options, and a team committed to explaining each step clearly so you feel reassured and supported in your birth plan.
Support after baby arrives
Following birth, we continue caring for you and your newborn with recovery care, health checks, breastfeeding assistance, and postpartum support.
See where your baby’s story begins.
Get a look inside the comforting Mahaska Health Labor and Delivery Center. Or, schedule a tour by calling 641.672.3360.
What you can expect at each stage
Pregnancy and birth can feel overwhelming. Breaking it down into simple, clear steps can help you feel more in control and prepared.
- Meet with a provider to discuss your health, family history, and pregnancy goals.
- Review medications, chronic conditions, and supplements that may affect pregnancy.
- Get guidance on nutrition, prenatal vitamins, and healthy habits that support fertility and pregnancy.
- Learn more about fertility options, when to seek additional support, and what your next steps may look like.
- Attend regular prenatal visits to monitor your health and your baby’s growth.
- Complete recommended labs, screenings, and ultrasounds throughout pregnancy.
- Get guidance on what to expect, when to call with concerns, and what resources can help along the way.
- Build or update a birth plan with your provider.
- Feel more prepared with prenatal classes and hands-on guidance for breastfeeding, diapering, and early newborn care.
- Call if you’re having contractions, your water breaks, you notice less movement, or something doesn’t feel right.
- When you arrive, we check on you and your baby and help you settle into your private suite.
- We review your birth plan, answer questions, and discuss pain relief options.
- We monitor you and your baby closely and keep you informed throughout labor.
- We follow your birth plan as closely as possible while providing expert care.
- Enjoy skin-to-skin contact and bonding with your baby.
- Your newborn receives exams and screenings while you get guidance on feeding, diapering, and newborn care.
- We monitor your recovery, support your postpartum care, and talk through pain control, mood changes, and warning signs.
- Enjoy a celebration dinner with your baby and support person.
Why families choose Mahaska Health for maternity care
You have choices about where to deliver. These are some of the reasons families trust us with their birth stories.
Expertise and safety
- Experienced maternity and birthing team focused on mom and baby safety
- OB/GYN and Family Medicine providers who deliver locally
- Integrated Pediatrics and Family Medicine support for your newborn
- Evidence‑based care that follows current maternity guidelines
Comfort and support
- Private rooms built for comfort, privacy, and family bonding
- 24/7 availability for labor, delivery, and maternity emergencies
- Lactation support and postpartum follow‑up to guide you after discharge
- Care that honors your preferences while keeping you and your baby safe
Recognized for quality care in vaginal and cesarean deliveries, with lower episiotomy, elective delivery, and cesarean birth rates.
Maternity classes and support
Get ready for birth, breastfeeding and the first weeks at home with helpful classes and one-on-one support.
Birthing class
Learn what to expect during pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum recovery, and newborn care.
Breastfeeding class
Led by a Board-Certified Lactation Counselor, this class helps expecting and new moms learn breastfeeding basics, including positioning, hunger cues, early feeding expectations, and common challenges.
Lactation consultation and Perfect Beginnings support
Our care continues during your hospital stay and after you return home. Board-Certified Lactation Counselors and breastfeeding educators are available to support you, and our optional Perfect Beginnings program provides in-home RN visits for added newborn and postpartum guidance.
Breastfeeding support group
Meet with Certified Lactation Counselors on the third Thursday of every month at 5:30pm at Mahaska Health.
To register or learn more, email birthingclasses@mahaskahealth.org or call the Birthing Center at 641.672.3170.
If you think you are in labor, call the Birthing Center at 641.672.3170 right away.
If no-one answers, stay on the line for the operator or call 641.672.3100.
When you arrive at the hospital, use the emergency entrance, entrance #5, and check in at the Emergency Services Registration window.
Meet your maternity and OB care team
Through your pregnancy and delivery, our compassionate experts are by your side.
Our nurses are ALSO® certified, with advanced training for urgent obstetric situations.
Connect with our maternity care team.
Call to schedule an appointment or tour: 641.672.3360
Recognized for Excellence
Mahaska Health is the first Iowa Critical Access Hospital awarded four designated Centers of Excellence.
Cardiology | General Surgery | Maternity Care | Surgical and Medical Oncology
