In a state facing significant challenges in maternal healthcare access, Shenandoah Medical Center stands as a crucial resource for expectant mothers in Southwest Iowa. As one of the few remaining hospitals in this region of Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska providing labor and delivery services, SMC's dedicated team offers comprehensive care in what healthcare professionals have identified as a "maternity care desert."
A Critical Service in Southwest Iowa
Iowa's rural communities have witnessed the closure of numerous obstetric units in recent years, forcing many expectant mothers to travel long distances for delivery services. Shenandoah Medical Center has maintained its commitment to providing these essential services to families throughout the region.
The hospital's labor and delivery department offers complete prenatal through postpartum care, giving Southwest Iowa families access to quality obstetric services close to home. This local availability significantly reduces the stress and risks associated with traveling long distances during labor.
Expert Care from a Specialized Team
Dr. Martee MacLeod-Kozal, an experienced Obstetrician/Gynecologist, provides specialized women's healthcare throughout pregnancy and delivery. Dr. MacLeod-Kozal serves as the facility’s current Chief of Staff, has been with Shenandoah Medical Center for seven years, and is passionate about providing care to women and walking through some of the most exciting and trying times of life alongside them.Â
Dr. Michael Woods, a board-certified Urogynecologist and OB-GYN, offers additional specialized care for women with complex needs. Dr. Woods has been with SMC for 12 years and has earned a well-deserved reputation for providing personal, compassionate and comprehensive patient care using the best technologies and most trusted practices. His surgical skills are some of the most respected in the industry and he also serves as one of the Medical Directors for SMC’s Physicians’ Clinic.
Dr. Chase Brown, a Family Physician, contributes to the comprehensive approach to maternal and family care. Dr. Brown has been with SMC for five years and offers comprehensive care for women and families across all stages of life. Dr. Brown also serves as one of the Medical Directors for SMC’s Emergency Department.
A distinctive feature of SMC's labor and delivery services is Jona Hutson, a Certified Nurse Midwife who serves as the hospital's resident Laborist. In this specialized role, Hutson provides continuous support for birthing mothers, offering expertise in pain management, labor support, deliveries, and overall patient care throughout the active birthing process.
Comprehensive Maternal Care
The labor and delivery services at Shenandoah Medical Center encompass the full spectrum of maternal healthcare needs. From early pregnancy through delivery and postpartum care, the medical team provides personalized attention in a community hospital setting.
Shenandoah Medical Center partners with Nebraska Medicine to provide Maternal Fetal Medicine services to families dealing with high-risk or complicated pregnancies. This allows for patients to be seen, managed, and receive prenatal care at Shenandoah Medical Center, while eventually delivering at Nebraska Medicine.Â
Supporting Southwest Iowa Families
For residents of Shenandoah and surrounding communities, having access to quality obstetric care means more than medical services—it represents peace of mind during one of life's most significant moments.
The hospital's approach emphasizes personalized care that addresses both the medical and emotional aspects of childbirth, allowing mothers to deliver close to home with their support networks nearby.
Additionally, Shenandoah Medical Center has a wide range of pediatric providers. The pediatric care team is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert medical services for children of all ages—from newborns to adolescents. With a focus on family-centered care, they offer a full range of pediatric services in a safe, supportive environment designed to meet the unique needs of young patients and their families.
Connect with Shenandoah Medical Center
Expectant parents interested in learning more about labor and delivery services at Shenandoah Medical Center can contact the hospital directly at 712-246-7400 or visit their website at [www.smchospital.com\](https://www.smchospital.com/hospital).
Shenandoah Medical Center’s Obstetrical Clinic is located at 1 Jack Foster Drive, Shenandoah, IA 51601, and regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For additional information and updates, follow Shenandoah Medical Center on Facebook at [https://www.facebook.com/Shenandoah-Medical-Center-111512472222207/\](https://www.facebook.com/Shenandoah-Medical-Center-111512472222207/).
When planning for your growing family, consider the experienced team and vital services available at Shenandoah Medical Center—where quality maternal care remains accessible in Southwest Iowa.
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