Dr. Jennifer Schroeder is a busy lady. She recently returned to work as a family practice and obstetrics physician at Rogers Medical Center following the birth of her second child.
When we met her, we were amazed that, not only was she dressed up with no spit-up on her shirt, she was also bright-eyed, focused and witty, too! And she was gracious enough to answer some of our nosy questions about what it’s like to be both a doctor and a mama at the same time. Here’s our question and answer session with Dr. Schroeder.
Having just returned to work from maternity leave, how has going through pregnancy and childbirth for the second time impacted the way you relate to pregnant patients? Has being an OB patient changed you in any way as a physician?
I think it helps me relate to how women feel and what’s on their mind through pregnancy. I think the bigger learning curve for me was being able to understand some of the practical information that’s valuable to parents – which is not really in a book – the things I learned once I had children of my own. Overall, I think it makes me a better physician.
Do OBGYN physicians get nervous about childbirth, just like the rest of us?
Sure. We have the fortune of knowing what minor things to not worry about and also realize the full spectrum of complications that can occur. I keep in mind for myself and my patients that most women have normal outcomes, and we’ve been doing it forever.
You’re known for trying to attend the delivery of all your OB patients, even when you’re not on call. Why is that so important to you?
Birth is one of the most profound events in our lives and being there for patients when the big day comes is wonderful – and I think it enhances their experience. I wanted to have my doctor be there with me. I had a relationship with that person, and it makes laboring and afterwards so much easier when you know what to expect.
A few decades ago, pregnancy used to be called a “delicate condition.” These days, some women think they can do almost anything while they’re pregnant – from kickboxing to mountain climbing. Has the pendulum swung too far in the other direction?
My experience has been that patients feel better when they stay active through pregnancy. That is, of course, tailored to their pre-pregnancy activity level, the stage of pregnancy they’re in and the type of activity. So I encourage women to continue activities unless they pose a danger.
How do you feel about “birth plans” and do they usually work out the way the expectant mother plans it?
Birth plans probably evolved out of women’s need to communicate and have some control over their delivery in order to have a good experience; they are a starting point. For my patients, I think communication is key and recognizing that labor is a dynamic process – so sometimes our birth plan evolves according to the needs of mom and baby – to ensure everyone is healthy and happy in the end.
What’s the toughest part about juggling a toddler, newborn, husband and a medical career?
Right now – breastfeeding. I’m a strong advocate of breastfeeding especially the first 6 months so babies get mom’s antibodies. I have a good work situation to pump milk – space, a refrigerator, and control over my own schedule. I don’t have much unscheduled time in my life right now, and there’s no other single activity I do so often and pump milk/feed the baby. I love it, but it’s a part-time job along with my other roles.
What are the top concerns women bring to you in the early months of their pregnancies?
The biggest concerns women really think about are the baby being healthy and how this is going to change their life.
What brought you to Northwest Arkansas to practice medicine?
I was looking for a job change and found great group of partners to work with closer to family in a community with good schools. My husband, Pat Lewis, is from Hot Springs and was ready to return to Arkansas to practice law.
Your personality is so relaxed, approachable and low-key. Do you find that this type of personality helps alleviate patients’ anxiety?
Pregnancy and labor can be an anxious time for families and being able to offload some of that stress is part of my job. The pregnancy and birth experience is easier if you have someone you are comfortable with, who you communicate well with and who you trust. That holds true whether there are minor concerns, a normal birth or handling complications should they arise.
