OB Care
At Lakewood Health System, we take your birth experience very personally and are excited and honored to be a part of this major life event.
Personalized healthcare means having someone who understands your health. That’s why YOUR physician, the one you have seen through your entire journey up to this incredible moment—will be right there with you when you’re ready to deliver.
Obstetrical Staff
Dr. Carol Uhlman, On-Staff OB/GYN
Dr. Kari Wessman, Visiting OB/GYN
Lakewood Health System's family medicine and OB/GYN teams are dedicated to providing you with the best obstetrical care possible.
And because our physicians are experienced in the delivery process and pediatric care, they will continue to be with you every step of the way as your child grows.
There are also six certified lactation counselors on-staff at Lakewood Health System to help you with anything you need in breastfeeding services.
We’ve set the stage for you—family friendly birthing suites complete with in-room whirlpools. All because we think personalized care is essential. That’s why we also offer a variety of birthing options to fit your “ideal birthing experience”.
Monitoring with 3D Ultrasound
Truly a breakthrough in ultrasound imaging, the new iU22 Ultrasound system, features advanced diagnostic capabilities through 3D imaging technology. This improvement may allow you to visualize your baby’s facial features before the actual birth.
These relatively low cost images are a less invasive way to look inside the body and are able to support a variety of common exams, including vascular; thyroid; and testicular exams. It also offers advanced imaging capabilities specifically beneficial in the evaluation of breast masses.
The 3D Ultrasound system has the potential to:
Ask your primary care physician if 3D Ultrasound is right for you as this service may not always be offered.
Birthing Options
Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some women choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery. Other women decide to stay in the water for the delivery as well. The theory behind water birth is that the baby has been in the amniotic sac for 9 months and birthing into a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.
Vaginal Birth After C-Section (VBAC) is an option that an expecting mother and her physician will discuss. Although
the mantra used to be "once a Caesarean, always a Caesarean," advanced in c-section surgical procedures have advanced to allow for women with previous c-sections try a vaginal delivery.
Birthing from Within is a program that focuses on the process of preparing for birth and readying parents and family members for the birth experience.
Congratulations & Gifts
When you deliver your baby at Lakewood Health System, you're showered with free gifts for you and your baby, including:
- Candlelight dinner
- Relaxing massage
- Infant car seat
- Plush robe
- CD of baby photos
- Baby bag with supplies
- Tote bag
- Complimentary home visit by the expectations team
OB Education & Support
The Lakewood Health System OB Education team, is available to help guide you through the OB experience every step of the way. We'll make sure you’re fully prepared for your personalized OB experience. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a veteran, we provide the right mix of educational opportunities, including:
- OB Support and Education
- Prepared Childbirth
- Breathing, Relaxation, Imagery and Mental Focus (BRIM) Birthing Class
- Birthing From Within Class
- Feeding Options Class
- Sibling Class
- Baby Spa Class: Infant Signing, Infant Massage & Aromatherapy
- Grandparent Class
Doula Services
“Doula” is a Greek word meaning women’s servant. A birth doula is a person who provides continuous care and assists throughout labor, delivery and after care of the mother and baby. Birth doulas can provide physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother and her family before, during or after childbirth. They can aide in relaxation techniques, massage and labor and delivery. A doula’s presence at birth can give a woman many positive, memorable experiences related to the birth of her baby.
A birth doula is not meant to replace the support unit of the coach/partner, nor does having a doula mean you have to have a natural childbirth. The doula provides non-clinical care for you and your partner. The physician and the nurse will monitor the clinical aspects of your care.
Lakewood Health System supports any assistance our patients desire with childbirth. Lakewood Health System does not have trained doulas on staff, however we can assist you in choosing a doula service of your choice. If you have already selected a doula, please let your physician and Expectations staff know in advance of your due date.