Miscarriage is hard. And common. In fact up to 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, often because the baby develops improperly. Very frequently miscarriage starts before you have even seen a care provider. As a consequence, many women feel like they are uncertain what to do, particularly if they don’t have an established provider, are […]
In my quest to get a sense for what women are exposed to in terms of contemporary literature on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, I like to read what voices are being published and consider how those voices can shape, help, or hinder women’s knowledge/preparation/agency. So, this week I have been working through “A Good Birth: […]
Last month I co-hosted a tremendous ed event for health care providers on lube, yes lube! Smitten Kitten educator Dale Mueller provided us with many eye openers about the pitfalls of common lubricants. With a wicked grip on the science of the private bits, she led us down the slippery slope of options. What your […]
Pregnancy is generally a time of joy and anticipation for growing families. And this is true no matter your age. Due to changes in the workplace and society as well as advances in reproductive technology, American women are delaying childbearing. Making women wary about having a baby is not helpful, but informing them is. Women […]
Today’s blog is about high blood pressure or hypertension in pregnancy. While I am a huge advocate for home birth, women who have hypertension in pregnancy are safest birthing in the hospital. The development of hypertension is one of the most common reasons women risk out of home birth care prenatally. 6-9% of all women […]
As you know, I get pretty close to and invested in the families who I care for. Boundary issues? Whatever. I am a mama bear. No need to skirt around that. And sometimes it is tough to hear about how often society misses the mark in supporting a birthing family. So let me help. Gentle […]
Time to toot our own horn! The American College of Nurse-Midwives announced the 2017 winners of Best Triple Aim, Four Core Perinatal Practices, and ACNM Benchmarking Best Practices in the United States. Thrive Midwives received each of these designations, by providing excellence in home birth, right here in Minnesota. Excellence in Pregnancy Care The Triple Aim […]
This week I dove into the world of prenatals after yet another client asked “What are the best prenatal vitamins?” After all, the number of options can be overwhelming. We used to tell women to buy a generic prenatal. “We aren’t really sure that taking them makes much of a difference.” That was what research […]
I loved the ease and convenience of using Thrive’s telehealth option. My daughter and I had developed a nasty case of thrush and with three kids and a busy schedule, I had no time to travel to an appointment to get it taken care of. Not to mention, it was a Saturday! In about 10 minutes, Kari had asked me the necessary questions, diagnosed the problem and had a prescription sent to my local pharmacy. It could not possibly have been easier. Thrive definitely has a patient for life!
As a doula practicing for 20 years, I can attest that the physical, emotional, informational and midwifery care that Kari provides is truly phenomenal. She cares so deeply about the families that she serves, which is evident in the countless births I have attended with her. From the moment you meet Kari, her knowledge about and trust in normal birth is infectious. On top of all of that she has an amazing sense of humor! As a doula, it is a joy to watch her hold space for all of the fortunate families that have entrusted her with their care.
When I think about who I trust to deliver my baby, my mind automatically says, Kari. In 2015 I delivered my first son in a local hospital, and the tender care and attention I received from Kari during labor, delivery and post postpartum, I knew I wouldn’t be able to find in anyone else. The amount of respect you have between the boundaries of culture and medicine manifests itself in your practice, as I witnessed it during my first delivery. You place your patients wants and needs before yours. You are there any time of the day or night via phone, email or text message. During the hard times of struggle and when my life caused me stress, I turned to you to help me get back on track to improve or maintain my health. When I was going through my miscarriage, I trusted in your expertise and wisdom. Even though I was far away from home when it occurred, you made me feel comforted as I knew you were just one call away. When I think of you Kari, it brings tears to my eyes to have known such a wonderful person and knowing my family trust you whole heartily. What I can say about you is endless. Thank you for all you do.
I have known and practiced with Kari for a long time, and trust her implicitly to provide top-notch care for her patients. She stays current in evolving research regarding women’s health and demonstrates a growing knowledge base regarding use of supplements and herbal therapies. Kari is also really innovative in providing care in low resource settings, such as international health.
Kari’s care is exceptional! Not only does she provide stellar whole woman care, she listens and truly forms a bond with each of her clients. Never feel like a number or meet an impersonal provider again. Kari takes the time to get to know you and your family’s health needs and provides you with the tools and knowledge to make well-informed and practical health choices. Thank you, Kari, for being my advocate!
Kari provides a one-of-a-kind blend of compassion, attention to detail and well researched medical knowledge. She believes strongly that pregnancy and birth is a natural process for most women, recommending both natural remedies and evidence-based Western medicine when it was indicated.
I am so impressed by how Kari keeps up with current research. You can rest assured that the care you get at Thrive will be rooted in the latest evidence and tailored to your needs. Kari is a strong communicator and will be your advocate. I will gladly refer families seeking home birth, gynecological care, and intrauterine insemination to Thrive Midwives.
Kari is extremely knowledgeable, her clinical judgment and decision making are spot on, she is easy to talk to, and has a comforting and peaceful presence.
Kari offers the perfect balance of medical knowledge and personal care, while also trusting a woman’s body and addressing overall wellbeing. She believes that women’s bodies know what they’re doing. She helps you believe that, too.