Your Personal Guide Through Pregnancy, Birth, & Beyond
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also feel confusing and overwhelming. There are many appointments, tests, decisions, and emotions along the way. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Our OB nurse navigator, Jennifer Mewes, RN, who is employed by our partner Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, is here to guide you through every step of your pregnancy. From your first prenatal visit to life after delivery, you’ll have a trusted nurse by your side to answer questions, coordinate care, and help you feel confident and prepared.
What is an OB Navigator?
An OB navigator, also referred to as an OB nurse navigator or perinatal nurse navigator, is a registered nurse who helps guide expectant parents through pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period.
Your OB navigator does not replace your doctor or midwife. Instead, they work alongside your medical team to make your care easier to understand and easier to manage.
Think of an OB navigator as your personal pregnancy guide, someone who knows the system and helps you navigate it smoothly.
How an OB Navigator Helps During Pregnancy
Your OB navigator supports you in many important ways, including:
Pregnancy Education and Support
- Explains what to expect during each of the stages of pregnancy
- Reviews common tests, ultrasounds, and lab work
- Answers questions in clear, simple language
- Helps you understand your options for labor, delivery, and feeding
Appointment and Care Coordination
- Helps schedule prenatal visits, ultrasounds, and hospital services
- Coordinates care with specialists if needed
- Keeps your care organized and on track
Hospital and Delivery Planning
- Assists with hospital pre-registration
- Helps you prepare for labor and delivery
- Explains hospital policies, services, and what to pack
- Helps to schedule inductions or C-sections when needed
Resource Connection
- Signs you up for childbirth classes and breastfeeding classes
- Connects you with lactation consultants
- Helps you find emotional health and community resources
- Assists with transportation, financial questions, or other barriers to care
Support for Complex or High-Risk Pregnancies
If your pregnancy requires extra care, your OB navigator becomes an even more important partner.
They can help by:
- Coordinating care with high-risk pregnancy specialists
- Scheduling additional testing or fetal monitoring
- Supporting you through conditions like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
- Providing emotional support during stressful or uncertain times
You’ll never feel alone or unsure about what comes next.
What an OB Navigator Does Not Do
To avoid confusion, it’s helpful to understand the role clearly.
An OB navigator:
- Does not provide medical diagnoses or treatment
- Does not replace your OB provider or midwife
- Does not deliver babies
- Does not perform medical or surgical procedures
Instead, they focus on education, coordination, advocacy, and support, making sure your care experience is as smooth and positive as possible.
Meet Jennifer Mewes, RN – Your OB Nurse Navigator
Jennifer Mewes, RN, is the dedicated OB nurse navigator at Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics. She is a trained and experienced obstetrical nurse with a passion for supporting expectant mothers and families.
Jennifer understands that every pregnancy is different. She takes the time to listen, answer questions, and provide personalized guidance based on your unique needs.
Whether this is your first baby or you’ve been through pregnancy before, Jennifer is here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident.
How Jennifer Mewes Supports You
Jennifer works closely with patients to provide:
- Help with medical and pregnancy history
- Financial estimates before your OB appointments
- Enrollment in childbirth and breastfeeding classes
- Connection to breastfeeding support
- Hospital pre-registration and delivery planning
- Scheduling of inductions or C-sections if needed
- Answers to questions about your hospital stay and services
- A personal contact for questions about pregnancy and delivery
Her goal is simple: a healthy mother, a healthy baby, and a positive birth experience.
We’re Here for You and Your Baby Every Step of the Way
As partners, Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics and Gabrielson Clinic for Women are committed to providing personalized, compassionate obstetrics care.
The OB navigator program helps reduce stress, answer questions, and provide reassurance at every stage of your pregnancy.
Your Pregnancy. Your Questions. Your Guide.
You deserve support, guidance, and answers during one of the most important times of your life. Our OB navigator is here to help every step of the way.
Schedule an appointment with Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics today to learn more about our OB navigator program or to connect with Jennifer Mewes, RN. For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information.
