Lube 101

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 provider may not know

During medical training, most clinicians are not educated about how various products made for genital use can significantly affect health. This is crucial information when people with present with concerns such as itching, lack of lubrication, irritation, odor, or burning. If clinicians simply provide a prescription to treat the symptoms, we may miss the root cause of the problem. Additionally, there are profound differences between water, silicone, and plant oil-based lubes.

BYOL (bring your own lube)

Did you know that lubricant stocked in most clinics for pelvic exams is not very healthy for your vagina? It contains ingredients which can cause yeast overgrowth, kill healthy lactobacillus, and trigger a bacterial infection or allergic sensitivity. While most people with healthy genitals do not have these problems, we could be triggering others who have frequent exposure (infertility clients) or chronic infections. Hint: bring your own healthy lube to your next pelvic exam, or ask them to just use water to moisten the speculum.

Tailor your lube to you

Are you in a low estrogen state (lactating without a period, menopausal)? Prone to yeast infections? Trying to keep anal play safe? And interested in minimizing your risk for an STI? Go to the Smitten Kitten link https://badvibes.org/2015/12/04/new-lube-resources/ to find out which lubes and vaginal moisturizers are best for your circumstances and health.  If you are a science geek, you will enjoy tidbits on how lube can affect the pH and osmolality of the vagina and anus. And you just may find that the products you have been using are contributing to chronic or recurrent irritation or infection. Our favorite lubes at Thrive Midwives are Good Clean Love Almost Naked (sold at Target) and Überlube.

If you want to talk more about lube choices and how you can optimize their use and your health, schedule an in-person or telehealth visit with us at Thrive Midwives http://thrivemidwives.com/contact/

Families Thrive Midwives

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!

−Catherine

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.

−Jessie, doula

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.

−Mai

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.

−Robyn, MD

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!

−Suzanne

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.

−Melisa

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.

−Emily, nurse-midwife

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.

−Christy

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.

−Maggie