“When you get to the end of all the light that you know and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught how to fly.” ― Edward Teller Most people are aware the nurse-midwives deliver babies. But much confusion stil exists about what we can offer outside this major life event. The truth is that the scope of practice for a midwife can vary quite a lot from state to state, practice to practice and even from midwife to midwife. So here a brief description of what I can offer. In addition to annual exams and a full range of birth control options I see patients seeking care for pelvic pain or painful intercourse related to either suspected or confirmed endometriosis. Many are unaware that there are new options for FDA approved medications specifically to treat endometriosis. Often I refer out to services such as pelvic floor physical therapy for a multidisciplinary approach given the complexity of treating pain. I often see women struggling with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS, insulin resistance, prediabetes and help manage symptoms with diet and exercise, medication, or both. Birth control is sometimes a part of this management depending on the specific needs of the patient. I offer hormone replacement therapy and other alternatives to help women who are struggling in their perimenopause or postmenopausal years. I offer ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation procedures to target mild stress incontinence, frequency, and mild vaginal laxity that many women start to notice in their late 30s-early 40s. And ThermiSmooth which improves collagen within the skin on the face to prevent the loss of elasticity in the skin that comes naturally with age. On a more personal note, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for working in a practice that values my time with you. Being a patient can be incredibly frustrating. We know this because at points during all our lives we have been a patient too, sitting as you are sitting, on the other side of the exam table. And while I cannot protect us all from long appointment waits or the business of 15-minute visits together we can capitalize on continuity by creating a relationship, advocacy by teaching ways to navigate the confusion of an often fragmented healthcare system, and focus on creating opportunities for our own health seeking behaviors.

"When a woman births, not only is a baby being born but so is a mother. How we treat her will affect how she feels about herself as a mother and as a parent. Be gentle. Be kind. Listen." - Ruth Ehrhardt As a midwife I hope to advocate, listen, and partner with women during pregnancy and birth. Experiences with birth can be life altering. Birth is often a physiological process which can be forgotten in the hospital setting. After the birth of my two children and the readings I have done about the history of birth and evidence-based care, I have found a passion in delivering individualize care to every woman. I have witnessed how at times medical interventions can impede or contribute to a negative outcome or experience with a low-risk pregnancy and birth. My goal is to give women birthing experiences that are empowering, positive, and patient centered. Additionally, I hope to guide and work with women often on an unknown journey of fertility and health issues which can include pelvic pain, irregular menses, abnormal uterine bleeding and any other women’s health problems that may affect everyday life. Furthermore, as a cardiovascular intensive care unit nurse for 9 years before becoming a midwife, I have come to understand the importance of access to care. As a provider I will strive to be a link to other health care providers to promote overall health and access to better serve all! You are the center and leader of the care you receive. I hope to be someone to help guide and support you in receiving evidence-based and patient specific care to make you feel heard and empowered!

“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.” Cheryl Richardson. Hello All, my name is Kayla Spalding! I am an established Family Nurse Practitioner, and have over a decade of Labor and Delivery Nursing experience. I am newly married (you will find me as Kayla Walker soon), a proud dog mom to my Penny girl, and a Kentucky native. I am most proud of how inclusive I strive to make my practice, and the quality of care I want to give my patients who are women of color, LGBTQ, and underserved populations. One of my biggest passion’s is Women’s Health, and I also work as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner here in Central Kentucky. I am eager to advocate for your health here at Woman2Woman! Come see me!

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweiter I have been practicing in Lexington for over 20 years. My practice has evolved from guiding women through nine months of prenatal care to supervising extremely attentive Nurse Practitioners who offer a holistic, individualized, and empathetic approach to childbirth and wellness. After thousands of births, I now focus on AFTER-BABY vaginal reconstruction and urine loss.   We are the only practice that conveniently offers in-office procedures on Saturdays. This is a less expensive option compared to the hospital. We try to create a friendly and attentive atmosphere for any age group from adolescent to menopause.