At right , �r . Patric� Culliganand �r . Cristina Saiz , Co- Medical �irectors of �emale Pelvic Medicineand �econstructive Surgery at �alley Medical Group . �elo� are Certified �urse Mid�ives Cristina Giam�alvo , ��P , C�M �left� , and �aclyn Smith , C�M .
PHOTOS / �A��EY HOSPITA�
�ladder-�elated Issues� Stop Suffering in Silence Valle� O��ers aVariet� �� Treatment O�ti�ns
�oesurinary incontinence or an overactive bladder limityour activities� Do you feel abulge protrudingfromthe vaginal opening� If so , you are not alone . Pelvic floor disorders affect 25 percent of all women , butmanyare not awareofthe variety of treatment options that are available tothem .
Pelvic floor disorders range from pelvic organ prolapse �dropped bladder� , urinary incontinence �leakage� , and overactive bladder �urinaryfrequency and urgency� , amongothers . They occur when a woman ’ s pelvicfloor �the muscles , ligaments , and connective tissue that provide support for her internal organs �isweakened .
“ Despitehow common pelvicfloor weakness is , women often don ’ tfeel comfortable talking with their doctors about it ,” says Dr . Cristina Saiz , Co- Medical Director of Female Pelvic Medicine and
Reconstructive Surgery at Valley Medical Group .“ Women should never suffer in silence . None of these medical issues are normal as you age and many treatments areavailable .”
Adds Co-Medical Director Dr . PatrickCulligan , “ Our practice focuses on patient educationand personalized treatment paths . We provide our patients with an objective assessment of their options , whichincludeacomprehensive array of surgical and non-surgical options , and help them make the best choices for themselves .”
Drs . Saiz and Culligan hold board certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery �also knownasUrogynecology� . Their expertise in robotic surgery and minimally invasive urogynecologic procedures provide advanced treatment options that can greatly improve a woman ’ s quality of life . Drs . Saiz and Culligan see patients at 1200 E .
Ridgewood Ave ., Suite 205 West , in Ridgewood .
Valle� Health S�stem Intr�du�es �id�i�er� Pr��ram t� Center ��r Child�irth
�alley Health Systemhas added anew Midwifery Program to the alreadyrobustrange of servicesoffered at the Center forChildbirth . Theservice is offered underthe careofCertified Nurse MidwivesJaclyn Smith , CNM and CristinaGiambalvo , DNP , CNM .
Cristina and Jaclyn bring acombined �5 years of experienceasnurse midwives . The Midwifery Program adds to the full suite of servicesValley offers to obstetric patients , including their family-centered approach with private birthing rooms , newly designed labor , delivery , recovery and postpartum suites , breastfeeding support , doula services , high-levelNICU services anda Magnet designated nursing program .
“ We are very excited to be providers in the midwifery program at Valley . In the past , patients needed to travel to find these services , and we areproud
to be part of the Centerfor Childbirth , enhancing the manywonderfulservices already provided to patients ” says Jaclyn . “ We are passionate about women ’ s health , delivering babies and providing holistic care to our patients , offering themmoreoptions fordelivery and care ,” adds Cristina .
Education is an important piece of the midwifery practice as certified nurse midwives work with patients to share decision making and collaboratively create aholistic maternity care and birthplan . Cristina and Jaclyncan deliverbabies , writeprescriptions and continue with postnatal care for their patients . Their goal is to help their patients have a natural experience using movement , and supportive tools such as music , soft lighting , a birthing tub and partnering with doulas to promote vaginal births , however , both midwives are also trained as surgical first
assistantsand can assist obstetricians shoulda patient need a C-section . Both providers also offer post-natal care for their patients , astheysee patients for their gynecological needs throughout their life .
“ Weare pleased to be abletothis service , which empowers women and gives themadditional choicesfor care before , during , and after pregnancy ,” says Gail Matthews , MD , Chair of Women ’ s Services forValleyMedical Group .
To learnmoreaboutValley ’ sCenter for Childbirth , visit our website at ValleyHealth . com / Childbirth .
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