Holistic Midwifery, Gynecology and Home Birth
Telephone: 360-775-9486
Call or Text
Now accepting Apple Health, Aetna and Premera
Gynecology
Many people find the experience of getting gynecologic care to be distressing, either because of the attitude and technique of the provider, or due to a personal history of trauma or abuse. Salmonberry Health and Wellness is designed to be a safe and comfortable space for care. Because Cheri Shields, ARNP, is also a midwife, she understands the importance of building trust and holding space. She is committed to listening, respecting consent, taking time, and acting with kindness. Perhaps most importantly, she offers treatment for the pain and anxiety many people experience during common gynecological procedures.
​
Services offered include*:
-
Pap smears, STI screening and Annual Exams
-
Contraception, Birth Control and IUDs
-
Management of abnormal menstrual periods
-
Diagnosis and treatment of vaginal infections
-
Pre-conception counseling
​​
*Salmonberry offers gynecological services to reproductive-aged people, meaning from puberty through the end of the perimenopausal transition. Pediatric and post-menopausal care is outside the scope of this practice. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Preventative Care
-
Pap smears should be done every 3 to 5 years to screen for cervical cancer and involve using a speculum (think duck bill) to view and collect a sample from the cervix. Speculum exams are always uncomfortable and awkward, but with an empathetic provider like Cheri they can be less so.
-
STI screening should be done yearly based on sexual practices and partners.
-
Annual exams aren't always necessary but can be helpful and are usually covered by insurance.
Gynecological Problems
Compassionate listening, testing, advice and management of abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, pain or burning when you urinate, IUD complications, or periods that are irregular, frequent, long, heavy or very painful.
Family Planning
Expert guidance in all methods of contraception from fertility awareness to personalized prescriptions for birth control pills and gentle IUD insertions (with medication for pain!). If you're considering pregnancy, a pre-conception counseling visit can help ensure healthy outcomes for both mom and baby.