Get ready for the road ahead with the Baby ABC's
Growing your family is exciting but it can come with plenty of questions. From pregnancy to labor and birth, all the way through the ups and downs of childhood, we are here to help. With provider tips on everything from staying fit during pregnancy to common baby ailments, baby baths, and feedings, get the information you need to help handle the little (and not so little) bumps along the way.
It's all in the alphabet
Our Baby ABC series will help you navigate the months and years ahead – click on each letter of the alphabet to learn more!

A is for Allen
Learn everything about the Allen Birthing Center.
Discover the benefits of breastfeeding and find out how to overcome challenges.
CenteringPregnancy® allows moms to experience the journey together and form lasting friendships. Find out how.
Did you know Allen Hospital has a C-section rate well below the national average? Learn all about our delivery stats!
If being a new parent has you overwhelmed, we are here to help with educational classes for parents including labor and delivery and breastfeeding support.
Hear from Ann Swisher, ARNP at UnityPoint Pediatrics - Prairie Parkway, on identifying and treating common baby ailments such as diaper rash and colds, plus find out how to help choking infants.
Find out what's ahead for your little one! Jeff Guse, ARNP at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine - West Waterloo, explains common baby milestones such as sitting up, crawling, and walking.
We are dedicated to keeping families close to home, all from day one. Learn more about the services, including pediatric therapy and pediatric cardiology, offered at UnityPoint Clinic Pediatrics - Prairie Parkway.
Going back to work after baby can be stressful. Jeff Guse, ARNP at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine - West Waterloo, has plenty of tips to select the right daycare provider for your family.
Questions about starting solid food? Claudia Vicetti, MD at UnityPoint Clinic Pediatrics - Prairie Parkway, has the answers!
Immediate skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, is greatly beneficial to both mom and baby. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Wanda Havercamp, explains why.
Get ready for the big day by learning labor signs and phases with UnityPoint Health OB/GYN - Waterloo CNM, Breanna Herring.
What exactly is a midwife? Find out and meet our CNM team!
Welcoming your new baby is exciting but sometimes extra care is needed. Learn more about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Allen Hospital.
Our OB/GYN team is ready to help welcome your little one. Choose your provider today!
From birth all the way to adolescence, our pediatric providers are here every step of the way. Find yours!
Pregnancy can come with plenty of surprises but you aren't alone! Find out when to call your provider.
When it comes to baby bellyaches, reflux is often the go-to culprit. However, that may not always be the case. Claudia Vicetti, MD at UnityPoint Clinic Pediatrics - Prairie Parkway, explains reflux and how it may (or may not) be affecting your little one.
Don't let the big day catch you by surprise! Find out what to pack for your hospital stay.
Claudia Vicetti, MD at UnityPoint Clinic Pediatrics - Prairie Parkway explains what to expect and how you can help during this important baby milestone.
Learn more about the Period of P.U.R.P.L.E Crying and what it means for you and your little one.
Can pregnant women get a flu shot? When will my baby receive their first vaccine? Jeff Guse, ARNP at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine - West Waterloo breaks down vaccine facts, myths, and more.
Rub-a-dub-dub, it's time for the tub! Allen Birthing Center RN, Betsy Smith, demonstrates how to bathe your newborn.
Stay fit during pregnancy with these tips and exercises from UnityPoint Health OB/GYN - Waterloo CNM, Breanna Herring.
Worried about how your child will react when the new baby arrives? Jeff Guse, ARNP at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine - West Waterloo, breaks down ways to help them cope with changes.
Send your little one off to dreamland safely with baby sleeping guidelines from Allen Birthing Center RN, Betsy Smith.