In-Person Event
2025 Cooperative Caregiving: Maternal & Newborn Essentials Conference
2025 Cooperative Caregiving: Maternal & Newborn Essentials Conference
September 23, 2025 | 7:45 am - 4:15 pm
Location
Blank Children's Hospital
Education & Research Center (ERC)
Virginia Thompson Auditorium
1415 Woodland Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
*If you are using GPS, make sure you chose Des Moines and not West Des Moines
*The ERC is located on Level 1 of the Iowa Methodist Medical Center parking garage on the west side of the campus
*Park in parking garage and take southeast elevators to Level 1
*Traffic can be very busy in the mornings in this area, so we suggest leaving early/giving yourself plenty of time to reach the conference venue.
*Conference center is large and temperature control can be difficult. We recommend dressing in layers or bringing a sweater/jacket for your comfort.
Intended Audience
Nurses and other interested healthcare professionals in perinatology- obstetrics, neonatal care, pediatrics and family practice.
Purpose
To enable the learner to apply evidence-based information to the care of the perinatal family.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Agenda
7:45 – 8:00 | Welcome & Announcements
Amy Groen, DO, MHA, FAAP, Medical Director of Pediatric and Women’s Services | Blank Children’s Hospital | UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
8:00 – 9:00 | Early Prenatal Exposure to Nitrates in Iowa's Public Drinking Water
Jason Semprini, PhD, MPP, Assistant Professor | Des Moines University College of Health Sciences
BREAKOUT OPTION #1 THOMPSON AUDITORIUM
9:10 – 10:10 | Gestational Diabetes: When the Placenta Causes Trouble
Jill Bartlett, MSN, ARNP | UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Perinatal Center
BREAKOUT OPTION #2 KELLY CONFERENCE ROOM
9:10 – 10:10 | SHINE Perinatal & Pediatric Palliative Care – Infant Loss
Melissa Lipovac, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, SHINE Perinatal & Pediatric Palliative Care | Blank Children’s Hospital | UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
10:10 – 10:40 | Break
BREAKOUT OPTION #1 THOMPSON AUDITORIUM
10:40 – 12:10 | Toxicology Testing for Substance Abuse in Pregnancy
Alison Lynch, MD, MS, DFAPA, FASAM, Program Director | UI Addiction Medicine Fellowship
Director | UI Addiction and Recovery Collaborative Clinical Professor
Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine | University of Iowa Health Care
BREAKOUT OPTION #2 KELLY CONFERENCE ROOM
10:40 – 12:10 | Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Neonates
Laura Pabich, DNP, ARNP, NNP | Blank Children’s Hospital | UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
12:10 – 1:00 | Lunch Break
1:00 – 1:45 | A Novel Treatment Approach for Adults with Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Dave Arndt, PhD, Sr. Medical Science Liaison, Neuropsychiatry | Biogen Medical Affairs
BREAKOUT OPTION #1 THOMPSON AUDITORIUM
1:45 – 2:45 | The Big Challenge: Obesity in Pregnancy & Providing Quality Care for a Growing Population
Marcus Hemesath, DO, UnityPoint Clinic Ankeny OB/GYN | UnityPoint Health
BREAKOUT OPTION #2 KELLY CONFERENCE ROOM
1:45 – 2:45 | Congenital Heart defects
Jill Shivapour, MD, Pediatric Cardiologist | Pediatric Cardiology PC - Des Moines
2:45 – 3:00 | Break
3:00 – 4:15 | Compassion Fatigue
Kaelee Otto, Program Coordinator, Division of Behavioral Health | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
4:15 – 4:30 | Closing Remarks
Continuing Education
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, awards 6.5 contact hours(s) for full attendance, as this program aligns with Iowa Nursing Board 655, Chapter 5 with appropriate subject matter. Full attendance is required to be eligible for CEUs.
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines is accredited by the Iowa Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM (*Pending Approval). Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Photos
Your registration gives us consent to take photos at the conference. Photos may be used on our website or at future conferences.
Questions
Please contact Talia Greve at talia.greve@unitypoint.org with any questions or concerns.