GCH Clinics in Panora is proud to partner with UnityPoint Health – Des Moines to provide pregnancy care close to home. But what does that mean and how does it work?

What is Share Care?

The “Share Care” model means that women who are pregnant can receive their prenatal care with Sara Van Effen, ARNP at GCH Clinics in Panora. This care encompasses the same aspects of prenatal care as a larger facility, including ultrasounds, labwork, and education. You can be seen as early as your first positive pregnancy test to help ensure that your pregnancy gets off to the best start.

You will be able to stay in Panora for care until the 3rd trimester (34 – 36 weeks.) During that time, Sara Van Effen, ARNP will find the provider best fit for delivery and work closely with them to create a customized delivery and care plan for you and your baby.

After birth, you can return to GCH Clinics in Panora for all your postnatal (after birth) care including:

  • Weight checks for your baby
  • Help with breastfeeding
  • Education about what to expect in the postpartum period, including recovery, baby blues, and postpartum depression
  • Birth control options
  • …and more!

The “Share Care” model lets you skip the hours of driving and taking time off work for prenatal care appointments. We’ll help you enjoy your pregnancy with convenient, close-to-home appointments, ensure a smooth transition when it’s time to deliver, and provide personalized postnatal care for you and your baby.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact GCH Clinics in Panora at (641) 755-4000.

Sara Van Effen, ARNP

Sara Van Effen, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC is a Board Certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner. She attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan for both her ADN and BSN, graduating in 2000 and 2001, respectively. In 2014, she received her MSN with a focus on family practice from Ohio University. Women’s health, including maternal and fetal health were incorporated into the training that Sara received while working toward her MSN. To keep knowledgeable on current practices, Sara continues to seek out educational opportunities and trainings which focus on all aspects of women’s health.

With Sara’s continued interest in women’s health, she has been collaborating with Unity Point’s OB/GYN specialists to bring this focused care closer to home at Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics. With this program, maternity care can be shared between our GCH Clinic in Panora and Unity Point.