It’s no secret…women are different.
Throughout your journey as a woman, you have special health needs. Lakeland is committed to offering exemplary care in each stage of life. Whether you are preparing for a birth, managing menopause symptoms, or diagnosing any number of disorders we are ready for you.
As a wife, partner, daughter, friend, mother, you make decisions every day about the care and well-being of those around you. By choosing women’s health at Spectrum Health Lakeland, you can be confident that you’ve made the right decision for you, so you can be at your best—for yourself and those who depend on you.
It’s your journey. And we’ll be right beside you with the skills and expertise you need to ensure you get the most advanced and thorough care possible.
We help with a variety of services and can provide care for:
Breast Care
Cancer
Depression
Gynecology
Heart and vascular care
Incontinence, bladder, and pelvic health
Miscarriage support
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy care
Routine well-woman exams, PAP smear and cervical cancer screenings
Weight management
We all have a story to share.
We provide personalized health care to ensure you have the best possible experience while in our care. Each individual treatment and care plan at Lakeland is just as unique as your are. We are your partners in your health care journey.
Women throughout Southwest Michigan and beyond share their health care experiences at Spectrum Health Lakeland in the stories below.
Do you have a story to share? Click on the "What's Your Story" button and complete the form.
Sep 9, 2015 Reporting from Niles, MI
Connecting in a New Place - Jenny Ryan
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/womens-health-services/Detail/connecting-in-a-new-place/?utm_source=Connecting_in_a_New_Place&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Sep 9, 2015
Sep 9, 2015
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
New to the area, Jenny Ryan was nervous about choosing a medical provider to care for her and her baby through pregnancy and delivery. In the past, Jenny had a personable and comfortable connection with the clinician who delivered her two boys. She w
Connecting in a New Place - Jenny Ryan
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
Connecting in a New Place - Jenny Ryan
Sep, 2015
Physicians: Bobbi Brown, CNM
New to the area, Jenny Ryan was nervous about choosing a medical provider to care for her and her baby through pregnancy and delivery. In the past, Jenny had a personable and comfortable connection with the clinician who delivered her two boys. She worried about being shuffled between doctors at a large practice or failing to connect with someone new.
With the advice of her friends, Jenny decided to give BellaNova Women's Health in St. Joseph a try. In Tennessee, she was used to a small practice, composed of only one doctor and one nurse. Here, Jenny felt overwhelmed by all of the attention.
"At first I wondered if it would be the right choice for me," said Jenny. "But then I met the BellaNova team and we had a great connection. They made it feel intimate and made me feel cared for."
Throughout her pregnancy, Jenny was repeatedly put at ease by the friendly, personal care she received at BellaNova.
"The practice made me feel welcome in a new place," said Jenny. "The staff all knew who I was and my history. We never did try anywhere else; I knew BellaNova and Dr. Conklin were right for me."
On the day Jenny went into labor, she walked from home to the BirthPlace at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Jenny didn't realize she was leaking fluids, and that her labor and delivery would have to progress quicker than originally planned. She would have to have a natural birth without pain medication or an epidural. Fortunately, one of BellaNova's midwives, Bobbi Brown, CNM, FNP, was on-call.
"I absolutely loved Bobbi," said Jenny. "She was incredible. There was no way I could have done a natural birth without her."
Bobbi and the obstetrics staff stayed with Jenny through her labor, providing continuous support and reassurance.
"They were all very encouraging–I was scared, but they told me to focus and that I could do this, which is exactly what I needed," said Jenny.
Forty-five minutes after her water broke, Jenny welcomed daughter Emery into the world.
Throughout her three-day stay at the BirthPlace in St. Joseph, Jenny felt the personal care and compassion the staff had for their jobs.
"Emery had to be in the nursery to receive antibiotics, at the same time, I didn't want my baby to be away from me for long. The nursery staff explained everything and were great about telling me when I'd get her back, and why they were doing what they were doing," said Jenny. "Everyone came and left with a smile; they all seemed like they wanted to be there and help however they could."
All in all, Jenny had a great experience with BellaNova Women's Health.
"BellaNova was always willing to do what I needed done; they made it personal for me," said Jenny.