Midwifery & Women’s Health
We provide care for women of all ages, through all stages of life.
- Annual exams & routine screenings
- Birth control & Family planning
- Health education & nutrition guidance
- Menopausal care
- Screening & treatment for STDs
- Prenatal & postpartum care
- Mental health well-being
- Labor & delivery (MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines)
- Lactation support
- Free or discounted birth control for eligible patientsÂ
Providers
The Midwifery team cares for women and people assigned female at birth, through all phases of their lives.Â
Whether it’s seeking birth control options, questions about starting a family, or concerns about menopause, the PHC women’s health care team is ready to care for you.
If you’re pregnant and looking for a caring, compassionate clinician to provide prenatal and postpartum care, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a member of PHC’s midwifery team. Midwives deliver at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines. If you live in Story, Marshall or another county and would like to deliver at a hospital near you, your midwife’s care team will help you learn what steps to take as your delivery date nears. You can still receive your prenatal and postpartum care with PHC during this time.
PHC pediatricians will be ready to care for your baby after he/she is born. Schedule newborn visits at your PHC home clinic.
To learn more about individual providers, click on their photo.Â
Introducing Community Health Workers:
We’re excited to announce we’ve recently added Community Health Workers (CHWs) to our OB provider teams. CHWs will help OB patients with connection to community resources such as food, housing, transportation, prescription vouchers, financial assistance, and other necessities. CHWs speak English and Spanish, are certified lactation conultants and will be a great to support to our OB patients.
Supporting New Mothers: Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges with Primary Health Care
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial practice, but many new mothers encounter challenges such as difficulties with baby latching and concerns about milk supply. Studies indicate that approximately 31% of mothers stop breastfeeding due to perceived insufficient...
Moms, Have You Scheduled Your Mammogram Yet?
As we celebrate Mother's Day, remember the role mothers and mother figures play in our lives. Encourage them to prioritize their own health and well-being by getting this important cancer screening. Mammograms save lives! Moms are always putting the needs of others...
Challenges in Maternal Health
Pregnancy-related problems are a serious issue in the United States. These problems affect different groups of people in different ways. If you or someone you love is pregnant, getting prenatal care as early as possible in the pregnancy will improve health outcomes...
Meet a Provider: Amy Epstein, ARNP, CNM
Get to know Amy Epstein, ARNP, CNM, one of our new providers here at Primary Health Care.
Group Prenatal Care at PHC
Centering Pregnancy Joining Forces for Group Prenatal Care and Shared ExperiencesWhen: First class starts on April 8, 2024 Where: PHC's East Side Clinic How to sign-up: Let your provider know that you are interested. Starting March 2024, Primary Health Care's...
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
January is Cervical Health Awareness MonthAnyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in people over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common...
Tips for Getting a Mammogram
Did you know breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. women? According to breastcancer.org, about 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers in women each year are breast cancer. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PHC is striving to raise...
Know Your Contraception Options
World Contraception Day takes place on September 26 every year. The campaign’s mission is to raise awareness about contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their reproductive health! With that in mind, PHC’s Family Planning Program Manager,...
Family Planning Now Available in Ames
PHC Ames Medical Clinic now offers family planning services on a sliding fee scale including: Annual reproductive exams (all genders), Birth control & emergency contraception, Obstetrical and Gynecological Care, Pregnancy testing, Prenatal care, STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing and treatment, including HIV testing and treatment, and Title X Family Planning
What expect during your prenatal appointments
Congratulations! Learn what to expect at your prenatal appointments during your first, second and third trimesters at Primary Health Care.