Tristan's Story
July 9, 2026 7:42 am
We scheduled a call with Tristan, and she was ready.
‘Mom’s here watching the girls, so I’m good to go. There's no way I could sit and talk on the phone while trying to juggle all three of them,’ she said.
We didn’t believe her for a minute.
We asked Tristan to go into some detail after we read a comment she posted on Facebook for our Summer Contest*, which she won in a random drawing. The ...
First in the Region Obstetric Emergency Dept.
May 20, 2026 8:47 am
This year marks the second anniversary of ThedaCare's Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB-ED) and Hospitalist Program, which operates around the clock and provides care for pregnant women facing obstetrical challenges.
Through the program at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah, women more than 16 weeks pregnant that are presenting with a pregnancy-related concern will be directed ...
Alexis' Story
Apr. 22, 2026 4:31 pm
I'm only 20 years old, and I've met a lot of doctors. I've gone through many treatments and procedures, and I've had a lot of things done due to my complex medical history.
Ever since I can remember, probably when I first turned 13 or 14 and started menstruation, I’ve experienced a lot of symptoms and irregularities. And a lot of pain. I was severely anemic from menstruating; I’d get dizzy ...
Makayla's Story
Apr. 8, 2026 3:07 pm
I honestly wasn't expecting to grow such deep relationships with a healthcare team. I never have before, and I just didn't expect it to happen.
That’s how the conversation started. Makayla paused, took a deep breath, and continued:
I guess I should go back to 2021, to when our first, our daughter, was born. I had a super traumatic birth with her; she was stuck pretty good and ended up ...
Christi's Story
Mar. 25, 2026 4:08 pm
 Emmie & Miles welcome home their baby sister, Maggie. Sometimes it’s fate.
Like when you’ve got an appointment scheduled and you arrive only to find out that you weren’t supposed to be there at all.
“I showed up in Neenah, but I guess I was supposed to be in Appleton,” Christi said. “Turned out they had a midwife that was able to see me right then and there.”
That’s how Christi found Kay Weina, who was able to deliver on a preference of ...
Shannon's Story
Mar. 11, 2026 1:26 pm
We moved to the Fox Valley area in late 2023 and I took a chance establishing care with a new OB provider, Dr. Swift. She immediately made an impression at my initial visit.
Unfortunately, it took a little over a year and a chemical miscarriage to ultimately have success in conception of our second daughter Sophia in Fall 2025. What stands out in my journey with Dr. Swift was her support in ...
Jerica's Story
Feb. 26, 2026 2:37 pm
It was Jerica's lunch hour, perhaps the only break in her day.
Nonetheless, she picked up the phone.
"I'm in this little park by where I work. The sunshine feels fantastic. If I close my eyes, it kind of feels like vacation."
"You're working and also have a 12-week-old?" I asked. "That's amazing! And you don't sound the least bit tired!"
"I'm exhausted, but I'm ready to speak with you," she ...
Chelsea's Gender Reveal Story
Feb. 19, 2026 12:38 pm
 A Boy!
It started with a Facebook comment, submitted last month for our Packer contest:
Shout out to our sonographer (I believe initials are KF on our ultrasound pics) who unknowingly had us convinced our baby was a girl and gave us the surprise of a lifetime when we opened her envelope and unfolded the sticky note that was folded a million times and read “Boy!” Thanks for being part of our super ...
Courtney's Story
Feb. 4, 2026 1:27 pm
Doctors often don’t receive the recognition they deserve. My experience with Dr. Johnson was truly life-changing and has significantly improved my quality of life.
In October of 2023, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I was fortunate that it was caught early and treated surgically. As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications—you just never expect to be the one it ...
Remi's Story
Jan. 28, 2026 1:39 pm
There are stories that change the shape of your life. And then there are stories that become the shape of your life. This is one of those.
Our daughter was stillborn. Those words still feel impossible to write, even a year later. Her birth, in some ways, was everything we imagined. And in so many ways, unimaginable. The story of Remi’s birth began like so many others. I began laboring at ...
Megan's Story
Jan. 26, 2026 1:46 pm
Megan was in Menasha, heading to Oshkosh.
I looked out my window in Appleton. Swirling snow, gusting winds.
“Are you sure you want to give a testimonial while you're driving?” I asked.
She laughed and said, “We’re good at multi-tasking, right?”
I think she meant moms, but in case she was including older adult males without children, I agreed.
And so Megan began: I didn’t choose Kay Weina; ...
Erika's Story
Jan. 14, 2026 2:00 pm
Fourteen hours after I gave birth to my daughter, Stella, I carefully lowered myself into a wheelchair as my husband wheeled me through the hospital into the Children’s NICU. My body ached, my mind felt foggy, and my heart was heavy in a way I didn’t yet understand. Just fourteen hours earlier, everything had changed. I was on day three of a hospital stay meant to monitor me until it was ...
Jane's Story of Resilience
Dec. 17, 2025 2:18 pm
 Jane and Quinn! “Hearing those words, ‘You have cancer,’ can turn your world upside down,” said Jane, as she reflected on her journey through ThedaCare, starting with Women’s Care of Wisconsin’s Dr. Valary Gass.
Jane acknowledged that she may not be representative of the typical patient whose stories are shared in our blog, but she was strongly inclined to recognize Dr. Gass’ influence upon her journey.
Leah's StoryDec. 3, 2025 2:27 pm
 And now we have Averi.
Leah was authentic from the get-go.
“I hate making decisions. I like to let external forces make decisions for me,” she said.
But you know what?
Leah made a lot of good decisions, like first-time moms just seem to do.
Her one-month-old could be heard in the background, squeaking encouragement and approval as mom told her tale. And here’s what Leah said:
I have notes prepared for this. I feel ...
MaKaela's StoryNov. 12, 2025 2:42 pm
Three years ago, I found out I was pregnant with my first little boy, and I was really scared. My mom had recommended that I see a midwife, and I liked the things she talked about and the points she made, so I just called and scheduled an appointment. I hadn’t seen anyone there before, and I ended up with Jenny Taubel.
I felt instantly comfortable with her, and I became more confident ...
Paige's StoryNov. 5, 2025 2:47 pm
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Gass since before I became pregnant, and from the very beginning, she has been nothing short of incredible.
Before pregnancy, she provided the most thoughtful and thorough care. From routine visits to procedures, she always took the time to explain, listen, and make me feel completely cared for. When I became pregnant with my first daughter, I had a rough pregnancy ...
Jennie's StoryOct. 22, 2025 2:54 pm
As founder/owner of a full-service salon in Oshkosh and a mom of a two-and-a-half-year-old and six-month-old, we had to ask Jennie how the work life balance thing was coming along.
“It’s coming. Some days are better than others, but we’ve got a good village to help us,” she said.
Within that village Jennie includes the midwife who delivered both of her children, Jenny Taubel. Here’s the ...
Justine's StoryOct. 15, 2025 3:06 pm
Justine needed to push our phone call out just a bit due to her toddlers’ schedules.
When asked if this was a good time, she said, “Yep! I’ve got my iced coffee. I’m ready to go.”
Tell us about how you met your OB/GYN, Dr. Adriana Schaufelberger.
And so Justine began:
My husband I struggled with trying to conceive for four and half years. So yeah, a long time. When we moved back to Oshkosh, ...
Myths About MidwiferyOct. 8, 2025 12:21 pm
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 ...
Dana's StorySep. 24, 2025 3:16 pm
“Mindful, functional and beautiful solutions for experiences are my passion.” That’s Dana, the product designer and business owner, on her website’s homepage. A promise to deliver on her clients’ goals and objectives, Dana’s words could also describe what she was looking for as a mom—and also a surrogate—when she found her OB/GYN, Dr. Valary Gass. Her thoughts will be enlightening for anyone ...
Meet Colin Johnson MDSep. 9, 2025 1:09 pm
A fellowship-trained Urogynecologist and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgeon, Dr. Colin Johnson specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. He provides advanced medical and surgical treatments for a variety of conditions including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and fecal incontinence, recurrent UTIs, and many more.
This quick Q & A will help you get to know Dr. Johnson, ...
Jennifer's StoryAug. 27, 2025 3:28 pm
Because we wanted to know more, we reached out to Jennifer after reading her FB comment:
Dr. Yarroch is the best - wish she could be our everything doctor. She is always so down to earth. When I had an unplanned C-section she was there holding my hand through all the prep. I wouldn't have two healthy babies without her.
Here, in her own words, is Jennifer’s story:
I didn't have an OB when I ...
Your Child's First GYN VisitJuly 29, 2025 1:45 pm
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 ...
A Conversation About FertilityJuly 9, 2025 11:49 am
Dealing with fertility problems is hard. About one in six couples are troubled with fertility issues, and it affects both men and women equally.
Simply put, a lot goes into the conception process. There’s the egg, sperm, fallopian tubes, fertilization, the women’s embryo, hormones, and not to mention each of those pieces needing to be in a healthy state. All but one of those parts could ...
Kaitlin's Surrogacy StoryJune 11, 2025 3:34 pm
And the last of the follow ups from our Mother’s Day contest, we had a conversation with Kaitlin about her surrogacy experience.
Her contest entry (and one of our favorites): “Mother’s Day is a reminder that giving birth is not the only way to become a mother. Whether it’s through adoption, surrogacy, becoming a step-parent, fostering… the list can go on, it’s about the person who chooses to ...
Amber's StoryJune 4, 2025 3:48 pm
"Being a mom is my entire world!"
So began Amber’s submission for our Mother’s Day contest.
In a 14-minute post-Mother’s Day phone call, she generously (and often hilariously) added detail.
Told in 14 quotes, this is Amber’s Story:
- I struggled so long and never thought I would get the opportunity to become a mom.
- My husband and I tried for years to naturally conceive, and it just wasn’t ...
Jen's StoryMay 28, 2025 4:21 pm
"Motherhood is not knowing you could hold this much love in your heart for another human but not wanting anything different."
Jen posted those words for our Mother’s Day contest.
Here’s the story behind the sentence.
The Hardest Thing
The first thing you should probably know about me is that I am the most type A personality you could probably ever meet. I'm a 2nd grade teacher, so I just ...
Naomi's StoryMay 6, 2025 4:30 pm
When we asked Naomi if she would provide a testimonial about her experience at the Women's Care of Wisconsin location in Berlin, she said she'd be happy to. And after she did so, she thanked us for the opportunity. C'mon, Naomi. We need to do the thanking. And we get the last word.
Well, actually, you do:
Dr. Effie and her team at Women’s Care Berlin provided exceptional care throughout both ...
Melinda's StoryMar. 19, 2025 4:35 pm
Baby Grayson is 10 weeks today. Mom had left us a heartfelt Google review that began with, “Brubaker was my doctor through my first pregnancy.”
Later, we chatted with Melinda and asked her to talk about her experience in more detail. This time, she began with a car crash.
She already had us at “Hello.”
This is Melinda’s story:
I wasn’t quite expecting to be pregnant and didn’t find out until ...
Endometriosis Affects 1 in 10 WomenMar. 12, 2025 2:47 pm
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 ...
Best Practices in Care for Expectant MothersMar. 11, 2025 2:59 pm
Every March we celebrate National Hospitalist Day and the teams that make up the hospital medicine community.
This year marks the first anniversary of ThedaCare's Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB-ED) and Hospitalist Program, which operates around the clock and provides care for pregnant women facing obstetrical challenges.
Through the program at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in ...
Bree's StoryJan. 29, 2025 4:43 pm
“When you choose a doctor, you're trusting someone with your life and your baby's life. I didn’t realize how critical that was at first. It didn’t really hit me until I had complications.”
When Bree and her husband were thinking about having children, she asked her primary care provider if she had any recommendations for an OB/GYN. She told Bree to check out Women’s Care of Wisconsin.
That’s ...
Meet Caitlin Timmers MDJan. 2, 2025 11:00 am
“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 of Women’s Care of Wisconsin.
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 would work ...
Lindsey's StoryDec. 12, 2024 11:00 am
“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 ...
Kendra's StoryOct. 23, 2024 11:08 am
“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 ...
Amanda's StoryOct. 16, 2024 11:17 am
“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 ...
Tayler's Story: A First-Time Mom Calls the MidwifeOct. 9, 2024 11:31 am
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 ...
Meet Adriana Schaufelberger MDJuly 31, 2024 2:36 pm
“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 ...
Meet Effie Siomos MDJune 27, 2024 2:40 pm
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 ...
Meet Allison Brubaker MDJune 6, 2024 2:48 pm
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 ...
Gwen's Surrogacy JourneyMay 30, 2024 11:46 am
 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 who have dealt with infertility, losses and miscarriages, and that just tears my heart out,” said Gwen. “So I started toying ...
Janelle's JourneyApr. 17, 2024 12:12 pm
“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 ...
Protecting Yourself from STIsApr. 10, 2024 2:58 pm
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 ...
Meet Gretchen Augustine DOApr. 3, 2024 3:02 pm
“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 ...
Meet Pa Kou Thao, APNPMar. 6, 2024 3:08 pm
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 ...
Swift Connects with Patient in the ValleyFeb. 7, 2024 12:22 pm
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 ...
Rolling with Life: Michelle's Fertility JourneyJan. 17, 2024 12:35 pm
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 ...
Meet Jenny Taubel CNMNov. 28, 2023 3:13 pm
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 ...
Achieving Your Ideal Birth (x3): One Mother's StoryNov. 6, 2023 12:52 pm
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 ...
Nikki's JourneyOct. 18, 2023 12:58 pm
“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 ...
Chrissy's JourneySep. 20, 2023 1:03 pm
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 ...
Nicole's JourneySep. 13, 2023 1:05 pm
“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,” ...
Chelsy's JourneySep. 5, 2023 1:13 pm
“I’d have to say the stars aligned that day,” said Chelsy Jannusch.
Jannusch reached out to discuss the relationship she’s developed with Dr. Sara Swift of Women’s Care of Wisconsin, but she wanted to make clear her motivation for doing so.
“I know there are a lot of women who struggle to conceive or have children,” she said. “Knowing there are doctors out there who are not only willing to ...
Alyssa's JourneyAug. 22, 2023 1:39 pm
With four children now—all girls—Alyssa Pederson and her husband are contemplating a move into a new house soon. Pederson has a general vision of what that will look like, with one rock solid stipulation.
“We’re gonna need two bathrooms,” she said.
With the biggest sister (Nora, 6) holding the baby (Lydia), and the next biggest one waiting to pitch in (Kinsley*, 5, who likes to throw the ...
Angie's JourneyJuly 24, 2023 1:44 pm
In a recent survey, respondents voted hosting a dinner party with family as the number one stress inducer during the holiday season.
Yeah, right.
Angie Christopherson’s tale includes a positive Covid test on Christmas Day and a rescheduling of her inducement date, moved from December 26 to January 3. Oh, and because Santa’s gift to her regular OB/GYN was appendicitis, Christopherson would be ...
Sarah's JourneyJuly 17, 2023 1:49 pm
Serendipity can be a powerful thing.
When Sarah Hanaway’s insurance changed and she needed a new OB/GYN, she decided to call Women’s Care of Wisconsin in the hope that they had a provider who was accepting new patients.
Sarah Hanaway, meet Dr. Adriana Schaufelberger.
Hanaway was being introduced to her new provider just as she and her husband were trying to get pregnant for the first time; ...
Sam's JourneyJuly 5, 2023 2:19 pm
When you call a mom with an 11-month-old for an interview, leading with the question “Are you good to go?” is a given, even if you know what the answer will be.
“Got a baby right here but I’m ready,” was Sam Hawkinson’s reply.
Of course she’s ready. She’s a mom.
Hawkinson is the proud mother of 11-month-old Louie.
She’s proud of her five-year-old son Finn, too. And Archie, age seven. Jack ...
Ashley's JourneyMar. 21, 2023 2:35 pm
 The Cotten Family: Zayden, Kyleigh, Ashley & Casey It’s good to have a plan. Might not work out exactly as envisioned, but that’s life.
Ashley mentioned “the plan” right away.
“I have a 12-year-old daughter,” Ashley began. “When my husband and I got married, we knew were going to try to have a child together. That was the plan. And since I got pregnant the first time, I just assumed that it was going to be easy the second time.”
But it ...
Whatever Makes Your Heart Happy: A Mother's StoryMar. 8, 2023 2:47 pm
The conversation began playfully, as the response to how things were going now with three children was decidedly mathematical.
“My husband and I are officially outnumbered,” said Melodie.
But then, a quick caveat.
“I will try not to get emotional about my doctor and the relief she brought to a . . . well, just a very stressful experience.”
Melodie took a deep breath, paused, and told her ...
Jessy's JourneyFeb. 27, 2023 2:56 pm
Jessy reached out to us via Facebook recently about her OB/GYN, Dr. Amanda Reed:
Dr. Reed was fantastic. I was lucky enough to have her deliver all 3 of my babes with c-sections, with the first emergent and being put under general, the 2nd early with a NICU stay, and the 3rd with a rough spinal stick insertion. She brought the calm, each and every time!
Well, call us nosy, but we wanted to ...
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