Sep 2, 2020 Reporting from Niles, MI
Support Through it All - Amber Zoschke
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/womens-health-services/pregnancy-care/our-patients-say-it-best/Detail/support-through-it-all/?utm_source=Support_Through_it_All&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Sep 2, 2020
Sep 2, 2020
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Just a few weeks after the second birthday of her first son, 32-year-old, Amber Zoschke, was excited to learn she was pregnant again. But her excitement was mixed with nervousness after developing Type 2 diabetes, a condition that causes elevated blo
Support Through it All - Amber Zoschke
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
Support Through it All - Amber Zoschke
Sep, 2020
Physicians: Kenneth Kaufmann, MD.
Just a few weeks after the second birthday of her first son, 32-year-old, Amber Zoschke, was excited to learn she was pregnant again. But her excitement was mixed with nervousness after developing Type 2 diabetes, a condition that causes elevated blood sugar levels, following her first pregnancy.
Amber began researching local pregnancy care options and talking with friends and family. Initially, she had planned to give birth at the same hospital where her first son was born, but after continually hearing great things about the Lakeland BirthPlace in Niles and the care team at Southwestern Medical Clinic Center for Women’s Health, she decided to seek care there.
Amber scheduled an initial appointment and met with obstetrician and gynecologist, Kenneth Kaufmann, MD.
“I knew I could see a variety of doctors and nurses during my pregnancy but when I first met Dr. Kaufmann, I felt very comfortable with him,” said Amber.
Dr. Kaufmann explained that based on Amber’s previous medical history of gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes, having one provider monitor her pregnancy would be best.
“It was an easy pregnancy to begin with but as time went on it became more difficult to manage my blood sugar,” said Amber. “Dr. Kaufmann was great throughout the entire experience. He monitored my condition closely.”
To help regulate her blood sugar, Amber was prescribed with an oral medication and an insulin pen. It wasn’t until her next appointment that Amber learned she was using the insulin incorrectly and not receiving the correct dosage of medication.
“Dr. Kaufmann made sure I understood what I was doing wrong,” said Amber. “I felt supported the entire time.”
Nearing 32 weeks pregnant, Amber began to get anxious about her delivery.
“Dr. Kaufmann reassured me that he would be there when I delivered and I had a great support team,” said Amber. “I felt like my baby and I were always a priority.”
With two weeks left until Amber’s due date, and her baby already weighing ten pounds, she was induced to ensure the safety and well-being of both her and her son, Payne. Dr. Kaufmann was by her side throughout the birth experience.
“The labor experience was wonderful,” said Amber. “My labor and delivery nurse, Sarah Maggert, [RN], was phenomenal. She made me feel comfortable and supported.”
“The entire nursing staff and everyone at the BirthPlace made a huge impression on me,” said Amber. “Having an attentive obstetrician and care team makes a world of a difference.”
Amber’s growing family is enjoying their time together at home.