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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The Circle of Care: The Patients Speak

In a recent blog we asked our providers to share what the Circle of Care means to them. Following this, we asked our patients to do the same. Some of their stories are brief, some lengthy, but all contain powerful messages and are told with an authentic, genuine voice.

Today, we share Paula's story:

"I needed to have an in-office surgery performed by Dr. Yarroch for some postmenopausal bleeding ...

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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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Rolling with Life: Michelle's Fertility Journey

Michelle's story begins like this: "It was a very tough and long journey."

And ends with, "I don't know how I could have gotten any luckier."

Really sets you up for the middle, doesn't it? So here's Michelle telling her own powerful tale, a roller coaster ride of emotions on the journey to create a family:

"It was a very tough and long journey. I'm on the older end; I turn 40 this year. We got ...

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When Should My Child Have a First Gynecologist Visit?

For many young people with a uterus, the thought of seeing a gynecologist for the first time can feel scary or even embarrassing, but this should be a time when they feel comfortable and able to ask questions about development and body changes. We talked with Dr. Valary Gass of Women's Care of Wisconsin to provide you with the information you need to help your child feel more positive and ...

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Meet Jenny Taubel, Certified Nurse Midwife

We are proud to welcome Jenny Taubel, CNM to Women's Care of Wisconsin. Jenny brings an extensive background and limitless positivity to our Appleton clinic, providing support and care to her patients during pregnancy, labor, and birth, as well as health services to women through all ages and stages of life. This quick Q & A will help you get to know Jenny. We're certain you'll think the ...

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Patient-Controlled Nitrous Oxide: What's It All About?

At Women's Care, we believe in providing our patients with options so we can develop a health plan that meets both their physical and emotional needs. That means having the most advanced techniques, which is why we're happy to offer patient-controlled nitrous oxide to assist with pain relief and anxiety during gynecological procedures.

"We have a lot of women who are now choosing to use ...

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Achieving Your Ideal Birth (X3): One Mother's Story

Author's Note 1: Natalie had reservations about sharing her journey as first submitted. While our views of the finished product differed, we are in complete agreement about whose editorial vision is most important.

She is adamant this piece should reflect that she's a person speaking honestly and candidly about her own individual experience, insisting that in no way, shape or form should it ...

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An Important Time to Raise Awareness

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and vulnerable times of a woman's life. Most of us have thought about pregnancy and how our pregnancy would go long before we were actually pregnant. Most of the time, everything goes just right. However, almost one in ten women deliver preterm (defined as less than 37 weeks). These babies miss out on the important growth and development that happens in ...

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Nikki's Journey

"I was so blessed to have the twins," said Nikki Riehl.

Still, when you have a toddler and hear that you have twins on the way, it's an attention-getter.

"I'll admit there was some worry going through my head," said Riehl.

Once the impact of the news was processed, Riehl's focus shifted immediately to the health of her babies, as a twin pregnancy can mean an increased chance of health ...

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Chrissy's Journey

After several years of marriage, Chrissy O'Connell and her husband Patrick decided it was time to start a family.

"We were trying and it just wasn't happening," she said. "I went to see Dr. Reed to get tested; the results revealed I had poor egg quality and low egg quantity."

That begs the question of how O'Connell came to meet the provider who would be with her on her fertility journey.

"As a ...

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Nicole's Journey

"Surprises aren't my thing," Nicole West said.

Reflecting on her first pregnancy, well, that's just what she got.

"I wasn't ready for the pain I felt," West said. "I was young, unprepared, and didn't know what to expect from the experience. I didn't know I had options."

But she knew she didn't want to experience that kind of pain again.

"With my second pregnancy, I wanted to be prepared," ...

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