Pregnancy and Maternity Care
When you say with nervous excitement, “It’s time!” we are here for you and your baby. MercyOne has the experts you trust to bring your baby into the world, so you can focus on that joyous moment ahead – holding your new baby!
Pregnancy Care
Your baby’s health care begins during pregnancy. MercyOne provides pregnancy education through YoMingo®, a resource to help you whenever, wherever you want. This education app provides tools and support throughout all the stages of your pregnancy through labor and delivery and beyond.
Throughout your pregnancy, you can see an obstetrician or midwife to ensure your baby is healthy and growing. Regular visits help providers find and treat any pregnancy complications that may arise including, but not limited to:
- Gestational diabetes.
- Infections.
- Iron deficiency anemia.
- Preeclampsia.
- Preterm labor.
MercyOne pregnancy care is conveniently available in Waterloo or Cedar Falls.
Labor and delivery care
Your baby's birth is a life-changing experience, and we're here to support you and build your confidence throughout the journey. At MercyOne, you can be certain that you and your baby will be treated by our caring colleagues. MercyOne Waterloo Birth Center supports you and your birth plan, including delivery choices after c-section. MercyOne Waterloo Birth Center is a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care.
Birth center services and specialties
- Childbirth education classes
- Integrated Neonatal Intensive Care (INIC)
- Lactation care
- Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
- National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program
Your infant’s sleep area can impact their safety and risk for conditions like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Your baby’s sleep area should be free of bumpers, pillows, blankets or toys and should be in the same room where you sleep.
Tips to create a safe sleep environment for your baby
Follow these guidelines to create a safe sleep environment for your baby when you get home:
- Room share: Give your baby their own sleep space in your room, separate from your bed.
- Use a firm, flat and level sleep surface covered only by a fitted sheet*.
- Remove everything from your baby’s sleep area, except a fitted sheet to cover the mattress.
- Use a wearable blanket to keep your baby warm and keep blankets outside the sleep area.
- Place your baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night.
- Couches and armchairs are not safe for your baby to sleep on alone, with people or with pets.
- Keep your baby’s surroundings smoke and vape free.
- No objects, toys or other items in sleep area.
- Make sure your baby’s head and face stay uncovered during sleep.
Due to medical need and continuous monitoring, we are not modeling the safe Home Sleep Environment. Prior to discharge, your infant will transition to the safe Home Sleep Environment which should also be utilized at home.
*The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets safety standards for infant sleep surfaces (such as a mattress) and sleep spaces (like a crib). Visit to learn more.
National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program
The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids®, a national infant safe sleep organization. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Cribs for Kids is dedicated to preventing infant sleep-related injuries and deaths due to SUID and accidental suffocation. As a Nationally Certified Safe Sleep Hospital, MercyOne is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and providing training programs for healthcare team members, and safe sleep education to family and caregivers.
