It’s no secret…women are different.
Throughout your journey as a woman, you have special health needs. Lakeland is committed to offering exemplary care in each stage of life. Whether you are preparing for a birth, managing menopause symptoms, or diagnosing any number of disorders we are ready for you.
As a wife, partner, daughter, friend, mother, you make decisions every day about the care and well-being of those around you. By choosing women’s health at Spectrum Health Lakeland, you can be confident that you’ve made the right decision for you, so you can be at your best—for yourself and those who depend on you.
It’s your journey. And we’ll be right beside you with the skills and expertise you need to ensure you get the most advanced and thorough care possible.
We help with a variety of services and can provide care for:
Breast Care
Cancer
Depression
Gynecology
Heart and vascular care
Incontinence, bladder, and pelvic health
Miscarriage support
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy care
Routine well-woman exams, PAP smear and cervical cancer screenings
Weight management
We all have a story to share.
We provide personalized health care to ensure you have the best possible experience while in our care. Each individual treatment and care plan at Lakeland is just as unique as your are. We are your partners in your health care journey.
Women throughout Southwest Michigan and beyond share their health care experiences at Spectrum Health Lakeland in the stories below.
Do you have a story to share? Click on the "What's Your Story" button and complete the form.
Sep 12, 2019 Reporting from Niles, MI
The Scariest Five Minutes of My Life - Jacklynn Armstrong
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/womens-health-services/Detail/The-Scariest-Five-Minutes-of-My-Life/257ddf1a-fdaf-4bed-a0c7-2a275539cd9d/?utm_source=The_Scariest_Five_Minutes_of_My_Life&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Sep 12, 2019
Sep 12, 2019
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
For many first-time parents, the number of unknowns can be overwhelming. When it comes time for the second child, most have a better idea of what to expect. At least that’s what 26-year-old Niles resident, Jacklynn Armstrong thought while pregnant wi
The Scariest Five Minutes of My Life - Jacklynn Armstrong
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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The Scariest Five Minutes of My Life - Jacklynn Armstrong
Sep, 2019
For many first-time parents, the number of unknowns can be overwhelming. When it comes time for the second child, most have a better idea of what to expect. At least that’s what 26-year-old Niles resident, Jacklynn Armstrong thought while pregnant with baby number two.
As she neared the end of her pregnancy, Jacklynn visited Southwestern Medical Clinic Center for Women’s Health in Niles for what she thought would be a routine check-up. Still over a week from her due date, Jacklynn was surprised to learn she was already dilated to five centimeters.
“I came home after my appointment and about two hours later began experiencing strong contractions,” she said. “I went to the hospital that evening and within a few hours I was ready to push.”
The birth of Jacklynn’s first daughter, Mia, went smoothly and she expected to have a similar birth experience this time around as well. Soon after she began pushing, her care team realized baby Armstrong was experiencing shoulder dystocia—a complication that occurs when an infant's shoulders become lodged in the mother's pelvis during delivery.
“I remember everyone telling me they could see the head but no matter how hard I pushed she just didn’t want to come out,” Jacklynn said.
With the encouragement of her family and care team, baby Maci was delivered at 10:21 p.m. on July 31, 2019. As happy as Jacklynn was to see her new bundle of joy, things weren’t in the clear just yet.
“When Maci finally arrived, she was completely purple and wasn’t breathing,” Jacklynn said. “It was the scariest five minutes of my life.”
Thanks to the quick actions of the BirthPlace nursing team, they began administering oxygen immediately and were able to get baby Maci breathing once again.
“My nurses were truly amazing,” Jacklynn said. “They took control of the situation right away and kept us calm. It was a traumatizing situation, but they were very reassuring through it all and constantly provided updates on how my baby was doing.”
After 48 hours in the hospital, Jacklynn and Maci were able to return home—this time as a family of four. Maci had her initial check up with pediatrician, Charlotte Lofgren, MD, and has received a clean bill of health.
“I would recommend the Niles BirthPlace to anyone,” Jacklynn said. “My care team was so attentive to all of my needs and made a scary situation that much easier for my whole family.”
Having a baby is an exciting time in your life – and at Lakeland, we want to make it a healthy time. Whether this is your first baby or you are continuing to build your family, our experienced physicians and clinical staff are here to help you every step of the way. Click here to learn more about the BirthPlace or take a tour.
Photo credit: Our Tribe of Five Photography