New nurse midwife makes a splash with waterbirths at Veterans Memorial Hospital

Katy Maker, Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner, joined the Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Birthing Center team delivering babies, including waterbirths, last summer. She also cares for maternity and family practice patients in both the Waukon and Postville Clinic locations. Maker joins Dr. Dave Schwartz and Halie Ruff, Nurse Practitioner, as the hospital’s maternity care team.

Maker has over 30 years of experience as a nurse midwife and has assisted in nearly 2,000 deliveries.  She continues to add to that number, assisting moms with their baby’s birth in the Veterans Memorial Hospital Birthing Center.   Maker is also proficient in and encourages water births.

“I am happy to be bringing my experience here, to work at Veterans Memorial Hospital and back in rural Iowa,” states Katy. “I have always preferred the rural practice where families have access to quality care and do not have to travel to have their babies. We are the only hospital in the region that offers water birth and I enjoy those very much.”

In addition to being a full-scope nurse midwife, Maker is a Family Nurse Practitioner and provides care to patients in both the Waukon and Postville clinic locations. She offers well-child visits and well-woman visits as well as primary care and annual Medicare physicals, plus caring for behavioral health patients with anxiety and depression. She also has same-day appointments available for all acute patients, both male and female.

“I have worked with my colleagues here at VMH for many years and am confident with and trust all of them,” adds Katy. “We help support each family to have the birthing experience they want, keeping births in their community and as natural as they desire, making it a safe, satisfying birth experience.  I am really happy to be here, back in a small town, creating close relationships with all parents so they can feel supported.”                                                     

To make an appointment with Katy Maker at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic-Waukon call 563-568-5530 or in Postville, call 563-864-7221.  Interpretation services are readily available at either clinic.