Recap of our #HERstory Series
What we love most about our jobs is working with our strong and inspiring patients through every stage of their adult lives. We get to experience those moments of love, hope, perseverance, strength, and many more. We also know there is power in sharing. In 2021, we started a new series called #HERstory. We find that sharing personal stories (with patients’ full permission, of course!) helps to connect and support other women in our community who have similar experiences. These stories included birth stories, breastfeeding journeys, polycystic ovary syndrome, loss and many more. Thank you again to all of our patients who generously shared their stories. If you have a story you would like to share in an upcoming #HERstory, please send us a DM on Facebook or Instagram.
Here are just a few of the stories. See our social channels for more!
"When my husband and I relocated to Charlottesville from Ohio 12 years ago, a colleague told me, “if you think you’ll ever have babies, you’ll definitely want to go to Jefferson OBGyn.” Three years later, we welcomed our first son. We went on to have 3 boys in 3.5 years with Drs. Montgomery, Owens and Wamhoff catching - all in Room 10! Each doctor provided me exactly what I needed in those 3 very different deliveries. Dr. Montgomery’s motivating energy, Dr. Owens’s calm and steady, and Dr. Wamhoff’s laugh and positivity will forever be woven into our story. Last year, I experienced my first loss, and it was Dr. Kilfoil who counseled and guided my physical and emotional recovery. Her words often became my mantra on the hardest days. I’m so grateful for all of the doctors at Jefferson OBGyn. They have grown to become some of my most trusted advisors. They’ve all encouraged me, celebrated with me, taught me, cried with me, and held space for me. I truly couldn’t imagine anyone else sharing these sacred life moments with our family. Pictured is my delivery from 2017 that was filled with more laughter and joy than anyone could hope to have on their birthday. Thank you for all that you pour into our community." - Anna
"I wasn’t able to BF my first due to severe postpartum anxiety and depression. I was also told she had a “small mouth” and all she did was scream at me. I didn’t know much about getting help outside of the hospital for nursing. I was bound and determined to breastfeed my 2nd, he had a severe tongue tie and a very restricted upper lip. He came out nursing like a champ but slowly the ties became an issue so we got the revised with Joy’s, from Joyful Start, help. We’re 5.5months in and he’s a champ! I’m so proud of us!" - Baileigh
"I didn’t plan on a C-Section delivery, but when it came time to make a call, Dr. Huffstetler and Nurse Barbara were by our sides helping us to make an informed decision to bring a healthy baby into the world. When Charlie was born, I didn’t get that picture-perfect-baby-straight-to-my-chest moment that I envisioned. But what I got to see was still as sweet and heartwarming. My husband, slightly timid to be in anyone’s way, was encouraged by the pediatrician and nurses to talk to our screaming baby. The second Preston said Charlie’s name, Charlie immediately turned his head, stopped crying and locked eyes with his dad. It was such a sweet moment. One of our amazing nurses snapped this picture so we could remember the moment, but it will forever be in our hearts!" - Shannon
Whitney, a Charlottesville-area mom to two girls shares #HERstory for #PCOSAwarenessMonth. Whitney had both of her beautiful, healthy baby girls delivered by Jefferson OB providers (Dr. Arnold for her oldest and Dr. Kilfoil for her youngest) at Martha Jefferson. While she saw endocrinology and fertility specialists to help support her pregnancies, Whitney expressed her appreciation of the Jefferson OB team, especially her primary OB, Dr. Wamhoff, in confirming the diagnosis and renewing PCOS prescriptions once she was postpartum to help get her symptoms back in check. “I’m very grateful to go to this practice that listens to their patients!” Read more of Whitney’s story in this blog post.
Do you have a story you would like to share? It could be your journey to get pregnant, issues you may have faced while being pregnant, going for your first mammogram, help you sought for perimenopause or menopause symptoms, etc. Please direct message us on either Facebook or Instagram your story and permission to use your copy and images (with photo credits to professional photographers, if applicable.
