Meet Caitlin Timmers MD

"I truly enjoy working through complex medical issues with my patients, as well as the typical day-to-day health questions," she began.

Meet Dr. Caitlin Timmers, Women's Care of Wisconsin's newest provider.

From a young age, Caitlin Timmers had a passion for caring for others. She anticipated going into nursing and was working as a certified nursing assistant by the time she was 16. Later she ...

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Lindsey's Story

"I had very easy pregnancies," Lindsey began. "Minus the big babies. I have very big babies."

The obvious follow up question was asked.

"So my first was 10 lbs. 9 oz. My second was 9 lbs. 5 oz. Then my third was 11 lbs., and my last was 10lbs. 7 oz.," Lindsey said. "Not exactly easy on me, for sure, but not so easy on Dr. Vandenberg either."

We had more questions for Lindsey. Here are the ...

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The Circle of Care: The Patients Speak

Nurse Practitioner Caroline Abel on the Circle of Care at Women's Care of Wisconsin:

"Empowerment is at the heart of our Circle of Care. I work in partnership with my patients to create individualized plans of care that help them to be successful in their healthcare journey. I learn from you and you learn from me. Together, we can get you where you need to be."

Today, during National Nurse ...

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Kendra's Story

"I really felt in my spirit after having such a good midwife experience with my first child, which was a difficult pregnancy, that I wanted that same experience with my second pregnancy."

Here's how Kendra found Jenny Taubel. And as they say, the rest is history:

I originally started with a midwife at Women's Care who is no longer there. And then I started with another who changed roles and ...

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Amanda's Story

"This is baby's life, my family's life. This is our future."

Amanda's story is unique, of course. It's also universal, this story of a mother who needed answers and endeavored to find them.

And her message to every expectant mom, simple yet profound, should be emblazoned on t-shirts, billboards, mountaintops.

In her own words, this is Amanda's journey:

I have a history of two normal labors ...

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Achieving Your Ideal Birth: One Mother's Story

Following the birth of her daughter Emory and her son Everett, both delivered by an OB/GYN she called phenomenal, Natalie Demler was greeted with the news that her longtime provider was leaving the area.

She found out three weeks before her due date.

"I'd been with him since I turned 21," Natalie said. "We had a really close bond; he was with us during our miscarriage. I was pretty devastated ...

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Midwives: Care Throughout the Lifespan

When thinking of a midwife, the first thought of many is the extraordinary care they provide to mother and child before, during and after delivery. But let us not forget the expert and compassionate care they provide to gynecologic patients as well. Today, we share Diana's story:

"I was a nurse for 40 years and worked with Jenny Taubel when she was just getting started. In working with her, ...

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Tayler's Story: A First-Time Mom Calls the Midwife

For National Midwifery Week (October 6-12, 2024), we reached out to patients and asked them if they would share their midwife experience. Tayler responded just as we had hoped ("I'd absolutely love to!") and generously spoke about how she found her provider, Elise Gessler.

Note: Elise has stopped her OB practice and is working in the role of a nurse practitioner at our Appleton clinic. She ...

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5 Myths About Midwives

Even though midwifery has evolved alongside today's modern health care system, many myths surrounding this profession are based in common misunderstandings that are centuries old. At Women's Care of Wisconsin, we believe education is a powerful tool, so we've teamed up with our three certified nurse midwives to set the record straight! 

Jenny Taubel, Kay Weina and Elise Gessler have more than ...

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What is Endometrial Ablation?

Abnormal uterine bleeding, in the form of heavy menstrual flow or irregular cycles, is one of the most common complaints that bring women in to see a gynecologist. A procedure called an endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive treatment option that uses technology to destroy the lining of the uterus to reduce menstrual flow. It can be performed right in your doctor's office without the ...

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Meet Adriana Schaufelberger

"What do you think your patients appreciate most about you?"

She didn't expect that question right off the bat.

"Ooooh. Not sure," she said. "Maybe that I try to make things lighter and take any embarrassment out of it. There's no shyness here. Tell me what you're thinking. Out with it. Go for it. And that's where we'll both laugh. I think that's a big thing."

Thus begins a discussion with the ...

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They Said What?

A good way to understand our Circle of Care-and your part in it-is to hear from our providers in their own words.

At Women's Care of Wisconsin, we empower women by involving them in all of their health care decisions. We strive to know our patients well, helping them achieve their personal goals and live their best lives. Our doctors, midwives, and nurse practitioners offer a well-rounded ...

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Caring, Empathetic, Genuine: Meet Effie Siomos

Effie Siomos is a strong advocate for women taking steps to care for themselves.

"We need to do nice things for ourselves once in a while," Siomos said. "Make time to meet a friend for lunch. Take a walk, ride a bike, sign up for a mud run. See your doctor."
Wait, what?
"I know people don't think of going to the doctor as something nice you can do for yourself, but just do it," said the OB/GYN ...

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Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care: Meet Allison Brubaker

 

A fertility specialist at Women's Care of Wisconsin, Dr. Allison Brubaker can swiftly identify a catalyst and inspiration for her interest in the field.

"My mom was told at one point she wouldn't be able to have children," said Brubaker. "I'm one of five she gave birth to."

After being put in such a position-basically being told there was little to no hope other than to visit an adoption ...

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Gwen's Surrogacy Journey

Gwen & Kyle, far right, with their children Jacob, Abram, and Marcella. In the center, Sol and Robin, holding baby Gabriel.

"After having my three kids, I knew for sure I was done," Gwen said.

Well, not exactly.

"But I've always had really good pregnancies. Easy deliveries. Fast deliveries," she said. "I guess that's part of the reason I kept having kids."

Empathy is another.

"I have friends ...

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Janelle's Journey

"Nobody prepares you for the thief miscarriage is. I feel if I can share my story, it might help somebody else from suffering alone, because they're not alone."

Janelle took a deep breath, paused, and then apologized.

"I'm sorry if I cry."

And then she began:

It was my first pregnancy, June of 2021. We had our first appointment. I felt great. They said everything looked great. Go ahead, tell ...

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Protecting Yourself from STIs

With the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on the rise, we want to make sure every person in our Circle of Care has the information they need to live a safe and healthy life. April is STI Awareness Month, so we're breaking down the most effective ways to prevent contracting an STI and the symptoms that require a prompt visit to your OB/GYN.

What are STIs?
Sexually transmitted ...

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Meet Gretchen Augustine DO, Women's Care of WI

"Pretty much every visit I have with a patient starts the same way," said Gretchen Augustine. "I ask them to tell me in their own words, in their own time, why they are here."

Perhaps that's why the Women's Care of Wisconsin OB/GYN develops such a strong connection with them.

"Those first minutes in a first appointment are crucial," said Augustine. "My patients know their bodies better than ...

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March is Endometriosis Awareness Month

Are you doubling over in pain during your period? Do you have cramps you just can't seem to shake throughout the month? For 1 in 10 women, these killer cramps are a symptom of endometriosis. Although endometriosis affects 190 million women worldwide, many go undiagnosed. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and the perfect time to educate about this painful, chronic disease. Here's what you ...

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OB Emergency Dept/Hospitalist Program Debuts

Last month, ThedaCare announced the opening of their new Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB-ED) and Hospitalist Program. Providing specialized care to expectant mothers, babies and families, the new program is part of the update to the Theda Clark Peters Family Birth Center through the $100M investment to modernize the Neenah campus. The addition of these hospital-based women's services can ...

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Meet Pa Kou Thao, Nurse Practitioner

You don't question an epiphany. Such a revelatory moment can only be absorbed, followed.

Nonetheless, Pa Kou Thao did question the timing of hers.

"I was a year from graduating with my business degree when I got to be part of my nephew's birth," said the newest provider at Women's Care of Wisconsin. "Two weeks before the semester started and I was like, "Yeah, I don't think this is what I ...

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Incontinence: More Common Than You Think

Did you know that 50% of women have incontinence at some point in their life? Here's what you can do to take control.

Incontinence is the loss of urine in an uncontrollable fashion. There are many reasons as to why people have it. Some of them are very easy to treat successfully and are easily cured, and some of them are very challenging to cure. But we can usually get significant improvement ...

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Swift Connects with Patient in the Valley

No, not that Swift. A different Swift. But a Swift nonetheless. And there's a Taylor in it too.

But not a Kelce. There is a reference to pro football, however.

This all started due to a Facebook post, one of those that immediately grabs your interest. It went like this:

With my first baby, I had some doctor changes, due to my previous doctor being injured. I was supposed to meet Swift before ...

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Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Know the Facts

What is a normal menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle begins with the first day of bleeding of one period and ends with the first day of the next period. In most women, this cycle lasts about 28 days. Cycles that are shorter or longer by up to 7 days are normal.

What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

Bleeding in any of the following situations:

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding ...

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