Women – Here for Life

The Hennepin Assault Response Team recognizes 45 years of helping sexual assault victims heal

November 14, 2022

Sexual violence has a profound effect on a person’s physical and psychosocial health throughout their lifespan. According to the CDC, over 50% of women and a third of men experience sexual violence in their lifetime. In the immediate aftermath of sexual assault, a holistic response by medical professionals has the potential to have a positive impact on healing. It is during this incredibly vulnerable and traumatic time that the Hennepin Assault Response Team (HART) program steps in to create a safe space for patients. (more…)

Part two: What it’s like to be Black and a doctor in white America

March 9, 20221

In a previous article, Dr. Iesha Galloway-Gilliam shared her experience of being Black and a doctor. This week, Dr. Elizabeth Alabi shares her story. (more…)

50 years later and 14 midwives strong, our first-of-its-kind Nurse Midwife Service continues to empower expectant mothers

September 14, 20212

In the late 60’s, Dr. Donald Freeman, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at then Minneapolis General Hospital, and a nurse named Margaret Hewitt conducted forums asking women what they wanted their birth experience to look like.

In 1971, Margaret used what she learned at these forums and her knowledge as a Certified Nurse Midwife to develop the first hospital nurse midwife practice in Minnesota at HCMC. This new and innovative model directly involved women in decisions about their care and birth experience and was remarkably successful.

Now 50 years later and 14 midwives strong, our Hennepin Healthcare nurse midwives continue to nurture the philosophy of care that Margaret instilled, ensuring all expectant mothers have the right to care that meets their spiritual and cultural beliefs, values and traditions. Join us in celebrating 50 years of caring for women and welcoming babies on Saturday, September 25 from 1-4 pm in the Blue Building Courtyard. There you can connect with our team and enjoy photos and memorabilia from the past five decades.

Read on to learn more about the history of our Nurse Midwife Service and the important milestones we’ve made along the way. (more…)

I’m pregnant. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

January 6, 2021

The information here is about the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. These are also called “mRNA” vaccines.

For most people, getting the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible is the safest choice. However, trials testing the vaccine in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals have not been completed.

This information will help you to make an informed choice about whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine while you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

You have two options:

Get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available
Wait for more information about the vaccine in pregnancy

(more…)

Acupuncture and acupressure during pregnancy; decreasing pain and stress, improving birth outcomes

November 11, 2020

A woman’s body goes through so many changes during pregnancy. Quality and restful sleep become more difficult to obtain. Back and hip pain become a regular struggle. Moods can be joyful and exciting one day, then irritable and weepy the next. For many women, the inevitable common symptoms arise as well, such as nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. While most women have regular appointments with their OB/Gyn or midwife to address these concerns, few are aware that there is another avenue of care that can be a great compliment to standard medical care – acupuncture and Chinese medicine. (more…)

Birth providers celebrate your baby’s birthday

April 30, 2020

Having a baby is a sacred event. Not even a pandemic can take that away. There is so much uncertainty caused by COVID, and so much that we cannot promise right now. But we CAN promise that we will be here for you when the time comes for you to give birth. We promise that we will do everything in our power not only to keep your family safe, but also to share in your joy and celebrate with you. (more…)

Black Maternal Health Week: Through the eyes of two Black doulas

April 9, 20201

Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) – April 11 through 17 – is a national campaign led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. Its goal is to “amplify the voices of Black mamas and center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements.” In a country where Black women are four times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy or giving birth, this is a national crisis.

BMHW is a call to closely inspect the structures and systems in place that contribute to poor outcomes for pregnant women, especially those of color. It’s a call to “meaningfully shift the numbers by considering solutions – without fear, blame, or shame” and secondly, to recognize the contribution of of Black mothers, including motherhood, scholarship, leadership and research. (more…)

Vocabulary lesson: What is a doula?

March 2, 2020

Having a baby is one of the most exciting, scary, and vulnerable times in a mom’s life. You have never been more exposed or had so many questions flying around your brain. Births can be quick or slow, vaginal or surgical, calm and collected, or wild and crazy. Whether you’ve done it before or not, you can be sure that support is essential.

A doula is a labor support person. The term “doula” comes from the Greek for “woman’s servant.” Doulas come when called by the birthing person (or by the nurse upon the request of the birthing person) and remain until after baby is born. They provide continuous care for mom and anyone else mom decides to allow into her space. They provide a constant presence amid the staffing changes at the hospital, an encouraging voice, a reminder of your worth and agency. (more…)