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.
Aug 14, 2015 Reporting from Niles, MI
A Love That Knows No Boundaries - Sharon Beck
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/womens-health-services/Detail/childbirth-southwestmichigan/?utm_source=A_Love_That_Knows_No_Boundaries_&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Aug 14, 2015
Aug 14, 2015
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
When Sharon Beck, 30, a Three Oaks resident, found out she was pregnant with her third child, she couldn’t imagine the thought of her husband Andrew not being present for the birth. However, the Beck family knew this was a possibility since Andrew, a
A Love That Knows No Boundaries - Sharon Beck
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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A Love That Knows No Boundaries - Sharon Beck
Aug, 2015
When Sharon Beck, 30, a Three Oaks resident, found out she was pregnant with her third child, she couldn’t imagine the thought of her husband Andrew not being present for the birth. However, the Beck family knew this was a possibility since Andrew, a Specialist and Explosive Ordnance Technician in the United States Army, was currently stationed overseas in Afghanistan.
“I was so excited when I found out my wife was pregnant again,” said Andrew. “No one wants to miss the birth of their child, but I knew this was a sacrifice I might have to make when I joined the Army. Thankfully, I have my fellow soldiers here, who are like family to me, to keep my spirits up about everything.”
Sharon was determined to make it possible for Andrew to witness the birth of their first son no matter how far away he may be. That’s when the Beck family had an idea.
Sharon began talking with Brenda Schwartz, RN, Manager of the BirthPlace at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, about her idea to Skype with Andrew overseas during the birth. Brenda enlisted the help of Sean Anderson, an Information Technology team member at Lakeland, to make this family’s dream a reality.
“To be a part of the miracle of birth is a privilege and honor for us,” said Brenda. “At the BirthPlace we strive to provide a safe and memorable birthing experience for all of our families. Sharon’s desire to have her husband be part of the birth of their son touched me deeply. Bringing this family together during this special time became our goal.”
Sharon was scheduled to have a Cesarean section on July 1, but when she went into early labor, Brenda was determined to make sure Andrew wouldn’t miss a thing.
“That was a very emotional day for me – I was woken up at 4:00 a.m. Afghanistan time and told that my wife was going to have our baby,” said Andrew. “The internet connection here is very sketchy and doesn't always work correctly, so I had to drive around the base until I found a working Wi-Fi signal. I was very scared that I was going to miss it.”
Although they were thousands of miles apart, the Beck family never felt closer as Andrew watched the birth of his first son Ashton, born at 9:20 p.m. on June 20, 2015.
“Staying in the military and serving your country has to be a joint decision in any family or else it simply will not work,” he said. “Thankfully my wife supports me to the fullest.”
Andrew said he is looking forward to the day he finally gets to hold his son and reunite with the rest of his family. He returns to his base in Fort Drum, New York in December.
The Beck family foresees many more Skype sessions in their future since Andrew has reenlisted and plans to complete 20 years in the Army.
“The fact that the staff at Lakeland made it possible for me to witness the birth of my first son means everything to me,” said Andrew. “Even though I wasn't able to be there in person, I was still able to talk to my wife and hear my son cry for the first time.”