When An OB Has a Baby, She’s More Mom Than MD
February 5, 2020
Being medically trained as an obstetrician and gynecologist is no match for motherly instinct, emotions and physical changes that come with pregnancy and childbirth.
Take it from Dr. Katie Keepers, OB/GYN, at Mankato Clinic. “I still got nervous before I heard the heartbeat. That’s universal for all moms.”
Her colleague at Mankato Clinic, Dr. Carla Goerish, was her obstetrician.
“I am honored Katie chose me to take care of her during her pregnancy. She trusted in my recommendations and we talked everything through. It is always important to include patients in shared decision making, but it takes on a new meaning when caring for fellow physicians,” Dr. Goerish said.
For the most part, Dr. Keeper’s medical knowledge was helpful. When she had terrible heartburn she knew how to treat it. Another time, the knowledge caused concern. One day while working in clinic, Dr. Keepers got a bad headache. “A lot of people would think maybe I didn’t drink enough water or didn’t eat.”
Dr. Keepers was concerned about preeclampsia as she knows a headache is one sign. Symptoms include high blood pressure so she asked a nurse to take her blood pressure. It was normal. Relieved, she took some Tylenol, a safe pain medication for pregnant women.
Dr. Keepers encourages all pregnant women to call the clinic when they have a concern.
“We all know pregnancy is an emotional time. You have so many physical, emotional changes and symptoms. That’s why we are here. That’s why we have wonderfully trained nurses who are here to answer questions. We’re always available to answer your questions,” Dr. Keepers said. “Call us and let us help you.”
Dr. Keepers gained a better perspective of the patient experience during her own pregnancy. In fact, she chose to have her labor induced because she didn’t want to leave unexpectedly and cancel on her patients.
“It was fun to be able to go through the stages and emotions of pregnancy with my patients because they were all so nice, encouraging and supportive,” Dr. Keepers said. “It helped me relate to my patients better.”
She was able to tell women exactly what to expect at lab and ultrasound. Like her patients, she made all her appointments through scheduling. After signing up for the patient portal, she recommended her patients do the same. Instead of running through the back door to deliver babies, Dr. Keepers now has first-hand knowledge of checking into the hospital to have a baby.
“I really tried to only be a patient that day and not think about anything else,” Dr. Keepers said.
It’s a boy!
Katie and Brian Keepers welcomed their son Jasper on September 28, 2019. Jasper joins his big brother, Henry, 4. Dr. Carla Goerish induced Katie and delivered Jasper. Katie and Dr. Goerish have a close relationship. Dr. Goerish is friends with Katie’s parents so they have known each other since Katie was a teenager. Katie even babysat Dr. Goerish’s children. So life came full circle when Dr. Goerish delivered Katie’s son Jasper.
“It was great to have Dr. Goerish there,” Dr. Keepers said.
Like all moms, Dr. Keepers is grateful for a safe delivery and healthy baby. There were a few challenges when she brought Jasper home.
“With breastfeeding, we had a little bit of latching trouble in the first week. It was nice to have knowledge of the resources available. We did see our pediatrician right away and a lactation consultant,” Dr. Keepers said.
Henry and Jasper’s pediatrician is Dr. Amy Deehr at Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center.
“When I take Jasper to his appointments, she asks about how Henry is doing. It’s nice to have someone know the rest of the family,” she said.
Big brother Henry is doing just fine. He’s eager for baby Jasper to become a playmate. Brian is a supportive husband and dad. And Dr. Katie Keepers is back at work at Mankato Clinic.
Learn more about Mankato Clinic OB services.
Dr. Carla Goerish is also a mentor to Dr. Katie Keepers. “Katie shadowed me at the clinic and in labor and delivery. She loved every minute of it! I knew I had her hooked because we have the best job there is! Katie is an amazing physician and mom. We are so incredibly lucky to have her here.”