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Care for You

Whether you’re going through puberty or menopause, we’re here to help. Maybe you’re experiencing a certain issue (isn’t womanhood fun?!), looking for more information on how to stay well or just want to learn more about what we offer — click the links below for more information.

Some Common Reasons for Seeking Care

Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum

What you need to know as you head into your pregnancy and birth — from who to see and when, to the basics of what you can expect from your care at each phase.

Abnormal Bleeding

Periods can be unpredictable, very heavy, very long (or very short) or sometimes excessively painful. Learn more here about what normal looks like for most women and what to do when your period isn't.

Perimenopause, Menopause and Beyond

Learn more about possible symptoms you could experience in the years leading up to and through menopause--and what you can do to manage them if they're disrupting your life.

Urinary Leakage

You may or may not be able to point to the pelvic floor on a diagram, but it can be the source of a number of pesky or downright disruptive issues, such as leaking urine, inability to control your bowels and painful sex. Learn more about pelvic floor dysfunction and how we can help.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can be a source of pain and fatigue--and can even lead to more serious circulation issues as we age. More good news? Women are at a higher risk for developing varicose veins. Learn how WHA can treat the underlying vein disease and any left-over visual reminders standing between you and your favorite summer shorts.

Ways We Care

Obstetrics The team that guides you through your pregnancy is one you’ll remember for a long time (at least once the sleep deprivation wears off). Let us help you find the perfect care partner for each trimester, test and twinge.

Gynecology Gynecology can mean different things at different times of your life. From contraception to cancer screening, first periods to I-can't-believe-that-happened and everything in between, the physicians, surgeons, nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives at WHA are here to help.

Nurse-Midwifery WHA’s certified nurse-midwives are women’s health specialists who can help you throughout your life with contraception and family planning, pregnancy and childbirth, gynecology and well-woman care and the transition to menopause. Basically, they’re here for any woman, in every way, at any time.

Urogynecology A woman’s body is amazing, strong and beautiful. But simple? Not so much. This special subset of gynecology focuses on helping women with pelvic floor problems, such as urinary or fecal incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

High-risk Obstetrics Every pregnancy is unique and has its own share of worries and nervous anticipation. When complications arise for mother or babe, maternal-fetal medicine specialists of Northwest Perinatal Center are here to provide additional expertise, care and support.

Genetic Screening & Counseling Whether you’re pregnant now or thinking about it down the road, the personal decision to have genetic screening and/or carrier testing can be overwhelming and emotional. Let our team of genetic counselors help you understand how it all works so you can make the right decision for you.

Out-of-Hospital Birth There are many wonderful ways to bring a baby into this world. For some, a low-intervention, unmedicated birth feels right. Laboring in a familiar setting surrounded by a dedicated, supportive team can make all the difference. Where might one find such an awesome place? We were hoping you’d ask…

Mammography Did you know that sometimes it’s all right to actually put yourself and your needs first? In fact, in this case, it’s ‘doctor’s orders.’ While breast cancer is a frightening possibility for many women—modern technology has given us a powerful tool for early detection. So put down whatever you’re helping someone else with at the moment and make time for proper screenings.

Osteoporosis Screening & Counseling Osteoporosis can be detected and treated using painless, non-invasive bone density screening in our offices.

Vein Ablation Treatment of varicose veins used to involve lengthy and painful surgery. (No thank you, right?) We’re very happy to offer comfortable, in-office treatment of varicose veins that allows most people to quickly return to normal activities.

Behavioral & Mental Health Sometimes you don’t know what you need. Maybe things seem overwhelming or unmanageable. Or, maybe you can’t sleep—or you’re sleeping (or eating or drinking) too much. WHA’s behavioral and mental health specialists are here to help.

Office Surgery Any kind of surgery can be scary, but when it’s something as personal as gynecological surgery, you deserve to know that your care is in the right hands—and the right place. For some procedures and patients, office surgery can be a more comfortable and cost-effective experience than a hospital surgery.

Ultrasound While it may seem like the most exciting part of getting an ultrasound is getting to see your baby, the really cool thing is that they give your medical team a safe, powerful way to monitor the health of your pregnancy—or sometimes find answers to reproductive health concerns outside of pregnancy.

Women’s Wellness Women’s wellness at WHA basically means everything we do to help you maintain or achieve the health you want—to lead your life, on your terms. We’re happy to share our ideas about what healthy means, but ultimately that's up to you and we’re here to help you achieve it.

After-hours appointments Sometimes the idea of adding something to your day between the hours of eight and five—even something as important as your health—is too overwhelming to even consider. We’ve got you.

We're Here Through Every Stage

Ok, what's the deal?

The changes your body goes through during your teens can be exciting, confusing and a bit “that happened.” Let us help you make sense of it all and get started down the path of lifelong health.…
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What do I want?

Maybe you know, or maybe you have no idea. Whether or not you’re planning a family, our providers can help you understand your reproductive health so you can make the right decisions for you–now and into the future.…
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Am I doing this right?

From contraception and Pap tests to pregnancy and raising a growing family, your body is quite the busy body these days. Let’s navigate your wellness journey together–however you define it.…
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What should I be paying attention to?

If it seems like feeling well and staying on top of your health has gotten more complicated, you’re not alone. Let us help you make sense out of it and choose the right path for you.…
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Is this normal?

You may have this menopause thing figured out, but your body is still catching up and continuing to change. WHA’s providers can help you manage any ongoing symptoms and maintain the active lifestyle you want–and deserve!…
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What's happening now?

Congratulations, you’re doing it right. Let’s make sure your health routine is one you’re happy with and answer any questions or concerns that come up along the way. No matter where you are on your journey, WHA is here to provide exceptional care.…
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66 & Up

Midwifery Birth Center – Gateway

10566 SE Washington Street
Portland, 97216

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M. Catherine Schaefer, CNM, ND, MSN - Nurse-Midwife, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Portland, OR

M. Catherine Schaefer, CNM, ND, MSN

Nurse-Midwife

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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