Childbirth can be a magical event. It can also be overwhelming and stressful. For first-time and veteran moms, compassionate, knowledgeable support and personalized care with an individualized birth plan, ensure that every birth experience is both unforgettable and positive.  That’s why Markie and Angelica delivered their babies at the St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place. From conversations with friends and loved …

If you are going through menopause, you know this transition can be a bit bumpy. Many women have questions about ways to help manage symptoms and improve their quality of life without turning to hormone therapy. One option many women consider is dietary supplements. Symptoms of Menopause During menopause, your body goes through many hormonal changes. Estrogen levels drop, bringing …

Is anxiety a mood disorder or is it a physical reaction to emotional stress? The answer is that it can be both, but the difference between having a short-lived reaction to feeling anxious and having an anxiety mood disorder is like the difference between driving in a light rain shower and navigating a tsunami.  Anxiety disorders are the most common …

Menopause: It’s that time of life where you’re just as likely to break down crying at the grocery store as you are to snapping at the next person who tells you good morning. If you’re at the age for menopause, you will start experiencing a lot of body and hormonal changes that can leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry or …

During the years surrounding menopause, you may not always feel like yourself. Hormone fluctuations can cause symptoms such as mood swings and night sweats — common perimenopause and menopause symptoms that some women find severe — that may make you feel downright strange. Those features are frustrating enough, but more unusual menopause symptoms may leave you thinking, “Seriously?”  One such …

Maybe you’ve never heard of pelvic floor disorders – or perhaps you suspect you might have one but you aren’t sure what to do about it.  Pelvic floor disorders are caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles from childbirth, menopause or simply aging. The connective tissues surrounding the pelvis can no longer easily support the organs in the pelvic area, causing …

Deciding when to see a gynecologist is an important healthcare question for women and girls. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends scheduling a first gynecological appointment, or wellness exam, between the ages of 13 and 15. Routine wellness exams with an OB/GYN provider are recommended for adult women. Knowing what to expect during an appointment and which …

Have you ever been so mortified by a medical concern you felt too uncomfortable to discuss it with your healthcare provider? You’re not alone. It’s an all-too-common occurrence, but when it comes to provider visits, you can prioritize your health by being an open book. How Do I See a Provider About Something Embarrassing? An itchy backside, urinary incontinence or hemorrhoids, excessive or painful gas, sexual …

If you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant, prenatal care should be at the top of your to do list, right along with baby names and picking out a crib. With the right prenatal care, both you and your baby’s health will be a priority through all nine months of pregnancy – and beyond. What are prenatal tests? Prenatal tests …