A woman’s journey through life takes her through various stages including adolescence, childbearing years, midlife and senior adulthood. At St. Bernards, we are committed to providing women with the means to stay healthy throughout all of them. To this end we have created a unique series of women’s services to meet the ever-changing needs of the female patient. Through an always growing number of programs, we offer long-term wellness solutions which include educational, diagnostic and ongoing patient care services.

It is becoming increasingly important for women to recognize and take control of their own very unique health needs and those of their children. So important, in fact, that we have dedicated an entire team of healthcare professionals to address a whole host of gender and age-specific conditions. At St. Bernards Women’s and Children’s Services, we’re focusing our efforts on everything from pregnancy and breastfeeding to urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction and just about everything in between. Read on and learn more about the many unique services we are now pleased to offer exclusively for women and children.

Urinary Incontinence Clinic

Incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine, is a very personal issue which affects 20 to 50 percent of women in the United States. Sometimes referred to as “overactive bladder,” it is not a normal result of aging or childbirth. Rather it has many causes and may be temporary or chronic. Sadly, the condition often worsens because women don’t seek treatment.

At St. Bernards Urinary Incontinence Clinic, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence in women. In a caring and comfortable environment, we can help you find solutions to successfully manage the loss of bladder control. The condition can be improved through non-invasive measures, medication, surgery or a combination of treatments. Our supportive team of highly skilled, courteous health professionals is trained in urodynamic testing, biofeedback, patient education and more and will develop an individualized program for every one of our valued patients. Physician referral from a gynecologist or urologist is necessary for testing at the Clinic. Proper diagnosis is critical to providing proper treatment of urinary incontinence. Depending on the type of incontinence and the projected cause, you may then be referred for one, or a combination of, the tests or therapies:

Urodynamic Testing

This is a series of tests in which a number of measurements are made to assess your bladder function. These tests will measure how much fluid your bladder can hold, the strength of your bladder muscle, the pressure and flow of urine out of your bladder, and how well your bladder, brain and urethra communicate. X-rays may also be taken during this study.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Often the muscle or “floor” of a woman’s pelvic area weakens and/or loses strength resulting in leakage of urine. Special exercises can be used to strengthen and tone the pelvic floor muscle to improve bladder control.

Biofeedback

This form of therapy involves special equipment used to help you identify the muscle group that is weak, understand why your incontinence problem exists and modify the body function that may be the cause. Biofeedback uses mild stimulation to help contract and strengthen the weakened muscle group.

Behavioral Therapy

For some, it might seem embarrassing or scary to discuss incontinence with your healthcare provider. Our therapists provide the opportunity to openly discuss your problems and progress. While outcomes cannot be guaranteed, your commitment to participation will increase the likelihood of your success.

Surgery

Surgical intervention may be necessary to treat some incontinence.

Outpatient Counseling

It is not uncommon for women to experience sadness, anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed and symptoms of depression. These may often lead to problems with family, marriage, sexual dysfunction and other quality of life issues.

Specially trained St. Bernards therapists are available to treat these and other sensitive women’s issues in a caring, supportive environment. Individualized programs may include individual and/or family therapy sessions and exercises to be completed outside the office between sessions. Taking the initiative to openly discuss your problems and progress will empower you in your recovery.

Sexual Dysfunction Clinic

There are many very real, treatable contributors to sexual dysfunction. Our specially trained staff can confidentially diagnose and treat the physical and emotional reasons for this common occurrence in women.

If you are experiencing any of the following, you may benefit from a private consultation:

• Low desire for or no pleasant anticipation of sex
• Avoidance or repulsion of sex in spite of being in a caring relationship
• Lack of usual physical response to sexual excitement
• Consistent lack of enjoyment and pleasure during sex
• Genital pain before, during or after intercourse
• Recurring involuntary spasm of vagina that creates pain

Through individual and/or couples therapy you may:

• Open communication about your problem with therapist and partner
• Explore conflicts that may be creating emotional distance
• Explore experiences that influence sexual attitude including religion or family of origin beliefs
• Probe thought patterns that trigger negative feelings during sex
• Learn to develop a healthy and positive attitude about your sexuality

Depression

Therapists on staff treat a number of types of depression including, but not limited to:

• Postpartum Depression
• Clinical Depression
• Grief and Loss

Anxiety

Anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed or in a constant state of worry or panic are most often symptoms of deeper issues. St. Bernards therapists can help you discover the cause of those feelings and work through them.

Breastfeeding Resource Center

For moms who choose to breastfeed, we have designed a complete Breastfeeding Resource Center. Featuring two full-time board certified lactation consultants, the program offers Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes, Breastfeeding and Back-to-Work Classes and individual instruction and counseling.

For an appointment, call 870-934-8808 or 870-972-4436 (Breastfeeding Help Line).

For class registration, call HealthLine at 870-931-5055 or 1-888-782-4555.

New! Boutique for Breastfeeding Moms

It’s everything a new mom needs to be successful at breastfeeding conveniently collected all in one place! You can purchase or rent breast pumps and all the supplies necessary for feeding your new little one. Gift certificates available.

Full range of sizes of nursing bras (certified bra fitters available), milk storage bags, nursing pillows and comfort products including maternity belts for the pregnant and/or nursing mom.

Prenatal Breastfeeding and Back-to-Work Classes

Prior to delivery, a board certified lactation consultant conducts a session on everything the new mom needs to know about getting breastfeeding off to a good start. Once the baby is born, moms who plan to go back to work are encouraged to attend another class focusing on making a successful transition back to work. The class helps mom to seamlessly continue breastfeeding using both feeding and pumping techniques.

Outpatient Appointments

St. Bernards Outpatient Lactation Service is available by appointment Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Call 870-934-8808 for appointment or call Help Line.

Breastfeeding Help Line

Helping new mothers in northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri with a wide array of breastfeeding problems, experts are a phone call away at our Breastfeeding Help Line at 870-972-4436. Problems with which they may be of assistance include, but are not limited to:

• Painful or cracked nipples
• Engorgement
• Low milk supply
• Plugged ducts
• Mastitis
• Yeast
• Breastfeeding twins (or more!)
• Breastfeeding an adopted baby
• Weight checks
• Babies slow to gain weight

Screening Mammography Center

St. Bernards Screening Mammography Center, formerly located at the corner of Matthews Avenue and Church Street in Jonesboro, is now conveniently housed with Women’s and Children’s Services. The Center is one of four St. Bernards locations at which women may schedule screening mammograms.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and The American Cancer Society recommend women receive annual mammograms beginning at age 40. However, women with a family history of breast cancer should consult their doctor about receiving screening tests more often or at an earlier age.

Have your physician call St. Bernards centralized scheduling for your appointment 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Reference Lab

For your convenience, a Reference Lab draw station is located in our clinic for your laboratory needs. Bring your lab slip from your physician. The draw station is open 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Women’s Education Resources

• Women’s Education Conference Center. With seating for 40, the conference center hosts a number of educational classes, including prenatal and breastfeeding, breast cancer, breast health, Women’s HeartAdvantage™ and “Look Good, Feel Better” in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. Advanced media equipment and a teaching kitchen in the conference center will enhance the learning experiences for today’s women.
• Women’s Health Resource Library. Containing a wide variety of journals, brochures, pamphlets, interactive media programs on women’s health, Internet access for research, video/DVD library with viewing area, hands-on models and learning tools, and a lending library, the resource library brings together the latest healthcare information. Trained staff is always available to assist in the library area.
• One-on-One Breast Care Specialists. Registered nurses with breast health specialist certification provide one-on-one care to assist patients from screening to diagnosis, treatment and recovery. These specialized RNs teach breast health education classes, deliver patient support and offer community health screenings.