birth – Here for Life

Teen pregnancy and mental health

March 29, 2023

For many, pregnancy is usually a time of emotional well-being. For those who are teens, pregnancy can impact their mental health in drastic ways that differ from older pregnancy experiences. It is estimated 20% of pregnant people suffer from mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy. However, researchers found that teens ranging from 15 to 19 years old experienced postpartum depression at a rate that was twice as high as people aged 25 and older. As a teen or parent of a teen, understanding some of the emotional stages that pregnant teens go through is important. Understanding and offering support can significantly alleviate stress experienced throughout the pregnancy. (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…)

The Fatherhood Experience: Dr. Krishnan Subrahmanian

June 18, 2021

We know that fatherhood looks different to every dad. That’s why we’re taking an in-depth look at fatherhood with key experts, regular parents, and everyone in between in this mini-series, “The Fatherhood Experience.”

Meet Dr. Krishnan Subrahmanian. A former high school teacher with a background in public health, he is a husband and father of three children under the age of five and spends his professional time as a pediatrician at Hennepin Healthcare. (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…)

A white midwife’s letter to tonight’s Black baby

June 17, 20207

Dear new baby,

Today will be your birthday. Our city, our country, the world– is grieving the murder of George Floyd and too many others gone too soon. Your new life would be a different kind of hard if you were born an ocean away. Your life would look different if you were born on the southern end of the Mississippi River. But here you are, on your way tonight to be born into the land of the Dakota and Ojibwe.

Outside the walls of this hospital masses have gathered. Masses of broken hearts, raised hands and marching feet have taken to the streets. They brave a pandemic to face the more established and more deadly force of racism. They are marching for George Floyd. And they are marching for you. (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…)