At Essentia Health, we’re moms with babies caring for moms with babies

Most people can agree that being a parent is tough. Being a mom — and a working mom at that — is even harder. Nobody understands that more than a group of four women working in Essentia Health's OB/GYN department, all of whom are experiencing a baby boom.

“I enjoy all aspects of women’s health," said Courtney Meister, a certified nurse-midwife at Essentia. “I particularly love supporting and walking alongside patients through their entire pregnancy, labor and birth.”

Now, when we say “experiencing a baby boom,” we’re not only talking about patients coming in to deliver their little bundles of joy. No, we mean amongst the staff, too. In the last several months, four — yes, four — of our OB/GYN specialists had babies of their own. Dr. Haley Meyer, Dr. Kirsten Indrelie, Dr. Karin (Britta) Knutson and Meister recently gave birth and are ready to help more moms do the same.

“I think going through the pregnancy, birth and parenting experience alongside my patients helps me deeply understand their concerns and questions,” said Dr. Meyer, a mom of two. “I find it much easier to answer their questions because I’ve had the same concerns.”

Their unique experiences make them well-equipped to take on just about anything that’s thrown at them, and they’re eager to help patients, all the way from trying to conceive, through childbirth and beyond.

“Our baby is the result of a long road of infertility testing and treatments, so I have a real appreciation for the ups and downs of those journeys,” said Dr. Knutson, who welcomed her first in October. “I know exactly how lucky I am to have this beautiful baby, and I look forward to helping women who are struggling to conceive experience the same joy I have.”

This group has a range of expertise, from midwifery to fertility, gynecological surgery to obstetrics and just about everything in between.

“I think my personal experience has helped me feel comfortable providing advice about all the ‘other’ aspects of pregnancy,” said Dr. Indrelie, who had her first baby in August. “I’m happy to talk about all things related to motherhood, things like breastfeeding, postpartum changes, caring for an infant and sleep deprivation. If you have a question, I’ll do my best to answer it.”

“Being a part of the pregnancy and birth process is such an intimate and personal experience,” said Meister. “It's an honor to be involved in such a pivotal moment in our patients’ lives. At Essentia, we truly work as a team to provide the best possible care to patients and their families.”

While helping with pregnancies and assisting with births occupy much of their time, these providers are happy to talk about managing your period, menopausal symptoms and treating all aspects of women’s health.

“I am in awe of the strength of my patients in all stages of life, and am always doing my best to support folks to make the life choices they want or need,” said Dr. Knutson.  “I love supporting people in their transitions through adolescence, childbearing, hormone management and contraception all the way through menopause.”

Take it from them — these women think there’s no better place to have a baby than at Essentia. Once the replacement St. Mary’s Medical Center is complete, that experience will include giving birth and recovering in a beautiful, state-of-the-art space that fosters comfort and privacy.

“Being on the patient side of things was a great experience,” said Dr. Meyer. “I was so appreciative of my midwife’s support throughout both of my pregnancies. I liked having the option for midwifery care as I was blessed with two low-risk pregnancies and was able to choose that pathway.”

While this group has the medical experience and training to help with your OB/GYN needs, they have real-world experience as well. And who better to care for moms with babies than, well, moms with babies?

As Mother’s Day approaches, we appreciate all moms and parents who are raising the next generation — across Essentia Health and beyond.