7 Unbeatable Reasons Why University Of Iowa Labor And Delivery Is A 2025 Top-Rated Maternity Center
Choosing where to welcome your new baby is one of the most critical decisions expectant parents face. As of today, December 21, 2025, the University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC) Labor and Delivery unit stands out as a premier destination, having recently earned a prestigious "High Performing" designation for Maternity Care in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This recognition confirms its status as Iowa's only academic medical center providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date maternity services, from routine births to the most complex high-risk cases.
The UIHC Labor and Delivery unit, situated within the renowned UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, is an integrated center built on a philosophy of family-centered care. It combines the warm, personalized approach of a birth center with the unparalleled medical expertise and cutting-edge technology only available at a major university hospital. This article dives deep into the specific features, specialist teams, and modern amenities that make the University of Iowa's maternity services a top choice for families across the state and the region.
The University of Iowa's Elite Maternity Team and Leadership
The strength of the University of Iowa Labor and Delivery program lies in its highly specialized, multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, and educators. This depth of expertise ensures that every patient, regardless of the complexity of their pregnancy, receives world-class care.
- Christian Pettker, MD: Chair and Department Executive Officer (DEO) of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Pettker leads the entire department, ensuring clinical excellence and advancing research in women's health.
- Andrea Greiner, MD, MHA: Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Greiner is a key leader in the care of high-risk pregnancies, overseeing the specialized services that are critical to the region.
- Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs): UIHC features a robust team of Certified Nurse Midwives, including professionals like Lastascia Coleman, Laura Dellos, Megan Drey, Katie Gassman, and Abbie Knudson. These CNMs are known for their holistic approach to pregnancy and labor, focusing on natural methods while working collaboratively with the obstetricians.
- Obstetricians: A full staff of board-certified obstetricians (OBs) are available 24/7 to provide prenatal care, oversee vaginal births, and perform cesarean deliveries. [cite: 6 (from step 1)]
- Neonatologists and Pediatric Specialists: Due to its co-location with the Children's Hospital, immediate access to pediatric subspecialists is always available.
7 Key Features That Define UIHC Labor and Delivery Excellence
From the moment you arrive at the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital main entrance (the designated entry point for active labor), the UIHC Maternity Center is designed to provide a seamless and secure birthing experience. [cite: 13 (from step 1)]
1. Unmatched High-Risk and Specialty Care
As the state's only academic medical center, UIHC is the referral center for the most complex pregnancies in Iowa. They offer a full spectrum of specialized clinics and services for high-risk obstetrics, which is critical for patients with pre-existing conditions or complications during pregnancy. [cite: 10 (from step 1), 12 (from step 1)]
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM): A dedicated division for managing high-risk pregnancies, fetal diagnosis, and treatment. [cite: 9 (from step 1)]
- Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Clinic: Provides advanced imaging and in-utero care for complex fetal conditions. [cite: 9 (from step 1)]
- Diabetes During Pregnancy Program: Specialized care for gestational and pre-existing diabetes management. [cite: 9 (from step 1)]
2. Integrated Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The proximity and integration of the Labor and Delivery unit with the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital means immediate, 24/7 access to a Level IV NICU. This is the highest designation possible and signifies the ability to care for the sickest and smallest newborns, including those requiring complex surgery or advanced life support. This seamless transition is a major reassurance for all expectant parents. [cite: 10 (from step 1)]
3. Modern and Family-Centered Birthing Suites
The facility is designed for comfort and bonding. The labor and delivery area provides state-of-the-art Labor/Delivery/Recovery (LDR) rooms, allowing the mother to stay in one comfortable space for the entire process.
- Spacious Postpartum Rooms: Postpartum rooms are family-friendly, allowing the baby to room-in and promote bonding. Some rooms are equipped with queen-sized beds to ensure comfort for the support person.
- Cesarean Delivery Room: A dedicated, traditional operating room is immediately available for planned or emergency C-sections.
4. Commitment to Natural and Holistic Birth Practices
UIHC's maternity program strongly supports the concept of "Let Labor Begin on Its Own." They educate families on the importance of full-term delivery and discourage induction unless there is a clear medical indication determined by a physician. The Certified Nurse Midwives further support this holistic approach, offering comfort measures and low-intervention options. [cite: 4, 5 (from step 1)]
5. Emphasis on Immediate Postpartum Bonding
The hospital embraces the "Magical First Hour Without Interruptions," a practice where the baby stays skin-to-skin with the mother for at least one hour and until after the first feeding. This practice is crucial for regulating the newborn's temperature, blood sugar, and initiating successful breastfeeding. [cite: 4 (from step 1)]
6. Pioneers in Nurse-Midwifery Education
In a significant step to address the growing need for maternity care in Iowa's rural areas, UI Health Care recently launched the state's first-ever certified nurse-midwifery education program. This initiative not only enhances the quality of care within the hospital but also contributes to solving the healthcare desert crisis across the state. [cite: 14, 11 (from step 1)]
7. Comprehensive Pre- and Post-Natal Support
Beyond the delivery, the UIHC birth center provides extensive resources. This includes lactation consultation services, educational classes, and follow-up care. The focus is on a smooth transition home, ensuring both maternal and newborn health are prioritized long after discharge. The overall mission is to provide comprehensive pregnancy care, from the first prenatal visit to the final postpartum check-up. [cite: 6 (from step 1)]
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