Mission Women’s Care

November 20, 2019

A Special Bonding: Kangaroo Care Gave Neonatal ICU Baby Josephine a Steady Start

Most expectant parents don’t prepare for their newborn to go into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] after labor,” said Caroline Twiggs from Weaverville. “Now I tell friends they should tour the NICU.” High blood pressure and a prolonged delivery were hard on Twiggs and her husband, Michael Whetsell. But when baby Josephine showed distress, […]

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November 1, 2019

It’s Personal: How Mission Hospital’s NICU Goes Above and Beyond

Baby Owen was due to enter the world in August of 2016. His mother, Amanda Bauman, 35, of Waynesville, had experienced a healthy pregnancy, and all was going as planned…until an obstetrics appointment in late June led to an emergency C-section. Bauman’s August baby arrived, surprisingly, on June 21. A Sudden Turn of Events “I […]

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October 9, 2019

Dense Breast Ultrasound – Helen Sandven, MD, on ABUS Breast Tissue Screening

Dense breast tissue puts women at greater risk for having undiagnosed breast cancer. 3D whole breast ultrasound, also known as ABUS, is recommended annually for women with dense breasts. Because younger women more often have dense breasts, younger women benefit from this screening tool. Here’s what else to know about ABUS and how it works […]

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October 3, 2019

Call the Midwives: 5 Myths Debunked by Our Expert

Grace Rice, CNM (certified nurse midwife), at Mission Women’s Care, sheds light on common midwife misconceptions. Rice emphasizes that whether you choose a doctor or midwife, your comfort level comes first: “The best caregiving relationships happen when communication is open, decisions are shared and mutual trust has been established.” MYTH 1: Doctors are safer than […]

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August 22, 2019

Suite Smart: New Mission Hospital McDowell Birthing Suites Give Families Comfort and Security

Bringing a baby into the world is one of life’s most joyful events. In western North Carolina expectant parents are enjoying the amenities and enhanced safety offered by Mission Hospital McDowell’s five new state-of-the-art birthing suites. Margaret Sullivan, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist at Mission Women’s Care – McDowell and service line leader of Women’s Services […]

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July 8, 2019

What a Difference a Day Makes: The Pros of Delaying Your Newborn’s First Bath

The first 24 hours of parenthood are precious. While it’s a whirlwind of wonder, one thing many of us remember is baby’s first bath. However, research shows that waiting just one day before your newborn’s first bath can make a huge difference in their overall health. Joni Lisenbee, RN, the nurse manager of Mission Hospital’s […]

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June 20, 2019

Tech Time and ADHD – How Much Is Too Much?

Limiting Screen Time “Too much screen time may push people on the cusp over the edge,” said Penny O’Neill, MD, a pediatrician at Mission Women’s and Children’s Center Franklin. Dr. O’Neill believes the brain can be trained or untrained by fascinating games that reward impulsivity. Those with poor attention are later challenged to focus on […]

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May 10, 2019

A Note to Moms from a Mother-Baby Nurse – Mother’s Day Tribute

By Taylor Alef, RN To be a mother-baby nurse is to feel like a witness to the art of womanhood. We are with you in the first few days of your baby’s life, supporting you and your family through the most intense physical and emotional experiences of your lives. We see the pain that comes […]

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March 21, 2019

What Women (Don’t) Want: Abnormal Pap Smears

By Ellen Hearty, MD The most common screening for cervical cancer is the Pap smear. The Pap smear uses a brush to lift cells from the outside of the cervix to identify early, precancerous cells in the cervix. Early intervention is the key to preventing cervical cancer from developing. The incidence and death rates of […]

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