Whole Texas Health Mansfield, your partner for better health Fall 2025 A new era in women’s health Women’s Center offers midwifery and expanded care Get ready for baby Six things to check off your pre-baby prep list Women’s Issue
2 TexasHealthMansfield.org WHOLE HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of TEXAS HEALTH HOSPITAL MANSFIELD, 2300 Lone Star Road, Mansfield, TX 76063, 682.341.5000, TexasHealthMansfield.org. Information in WHOLE HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Doctors on the medical staffs practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health hospitals or Texas Health Resources. 2025 © Texas Health Resources. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Follow us on: On the cover: Dedicated providers from the women’s health team at Texas Health Hospital Mansfield—OB-GYNs, midwives and nurse practitioners—work together to deliver compassionate care at every stage of life. Find the hidden cowboy hat Ready to win? Find the hidden cowboy hat in Whole Health, and you could win a $100 Amazon gift card! Once you find the hidden cowboy hat, scan the QR code or visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Contest to submit your contest entry. All entries are due by Sunday, November 30, 2025. One entry per person. All correct entries will be placed into a drawing, and one winner will be selected. Must be 18 or older to enter. Texas Health Hospital Mansfield team members and their immediate family members are not eligible to win. Our growth reflects our commitment to you Continuous growth is part of how Texas Health Hospital Mansfield keeps our promise to deliver exceptional healthcare to you and your family, close to home. That’s why I’m thrilled to share some exciting developments with you! We’ve recently expanded our Women’s Center to provide even more support to moms-to-be and their little ones. These upgrades were made with you and your family in mind. And we’re just as excited about our new dedicated team of certified nurse midwives. These experts give expectant mothers more options during every stage of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care. This issue of Whole Health highlights our expansions, introduces you to a new leader in our community and brings you practical information to support your wellness. Whether you’re growing your family or managing your health at any stage, our team is here to support every step of your journey and provide comprehensive care that meets your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. As always, we’re grateful for your trust in our care. On behalf of the amazing team here at Texas Health Mansfield, I wish you and your loved ones a healthy fall season. Sincerely, Eulanie Lashley President and CEO On behalf of the amazing team here at Texas Health Mansfield, I wish you and your loved ones a healthy fall season. Don’t miss your chance to win an Amazon gift card!
Fall 2025 3 A warm welcome to Chief Nursing Officer Kelli Wray As a young girl growing up in Abilene, Texas, Kelli Wray admired the connections her father formed with his patients as a respiratory therapist. They became like family. “His passion for helping others gave me a spark, and I wanted to pursue it,” she says. “I loved the thought of taking care of others just like my dad did.” Kelli went on to become a nurse and, ultimately, a healthcare leadership professional who is driven by her faith and passion for service. In July, Kelli became Texas Health Hospital Mansfield’s chief nursing officer (CNO), overseeing nursing operations for a staff of over 400. A leader takes flight Early in her nursing carer, Kelli commissioned in the Air Force Reserve and served as a flight nurse during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. During her career, she earned the rank of captain. “Being an officer in the military taught me a tremendous amount about leadership,” she says. “It instilled in me a deep sense of duty and resilience and service outside of myself.” After the military, Kelli earned a master’s degree, followed by a doctorate, and became a boardcertified nurse practitioner. She served as CNO at a healthcare system in California before returning home to Texas to join Texas Health Mansfield. Elevating patient care Kelli leads with a focus on accessibility and support for her team to elevate patient care. She says her faith drives her commitment to ensuring highquality care and treating people like loved ones, with dignity and respect. “I know what it means to put a family member in the care of another, and it requires trust,” Kelli says. “I strive to honor treating others how I would want to be treated and how I would want my family to be treated and to uphold the highest standards of care. We are here to serve.” Understanding endometriosis Many women experience cramping or discomfort during their menstrual cycle, but when pain becomes intense or persistent or interferes with daily life, it could be a sign of something more serious, like endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often causing pelvic pain, heavy periods and even fertility challenges. It’s a condition that affects 1 in 10 women, yet it’s frequently underdiagnosed. “Pain that disrupts your life isn’t something you should have to push through,” says Jeremy Vaughan, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology provider at Texas Health Mansfield. “We want women to feel heard, supported and empowered to seek answers.” If you’ve been living with unexplained pelvic pain or symptoms that don’t feel right, it’s time to talk to a provider who can help. Schedule an appointment today Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Vaughan.
4 TexasHealthMansfield.org Get expert maternity care in Mansfield Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Maternity. Texas Health Hospital Mansfield is boosting women’s healthcare with a major expansion of its Women’s Center that will break ground this fall. “We’re super excited about that,” says Director of Women’s Services LaTosha Boldware. Why? Check out what the phased expansion includes: ● A four-bed obstetrics emergency department. An obstetrics-trained physician will provide 24/7 dedicated emergency assessment for pregnant women with labor or other immediate care concerns. “It’s an extra layer of care for our expecting moms,” LaTosha says. ● A 14-bed level 2 NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). Upgraded from a level 1 facility, the level 2 NICU will allow even more babies to receive specialized care at Texas Health Mansfield. ● Five additional labor and delivery rooms to accommodate more moms and babies. ● A 24-bed postpartum/ antepartum unit. Separated from the labor and delivery floor, these rooms will offer a quieter, more restful environment for moms and babies after delivery. The Women’s Center project Women’s Center expansion Growing with the community brings not just expanded facilities and services, but also an elevated care experience—starting right now, before construction even begins. For instance, Texas Health Mansfield already has: ● A midwifery program. “Moms who are looking to have a midwifery experience, but in a hospital setting, can have that here,” LaTosha says. ● More obstetriciangynecologists (OB-GYNs) to care for you. Two OB-GYNs have joined the team. ● Women’s health navigator services. At Texas Health Mansfield, expectant moms have access to Women’s Health Navigator Kristen Jones, MPH, BSN, RN. She provides personalized support for women throughout their entire maternity journey—from the moment they start looking for a pregnancy care provider to delivery and beyond. “That’s a pretty amazing service,” LaTosha says. It’s always been about family-centered care With this expansion project, Texas Health Mansfield is stepping up to provide a growing population with a program that delivers exceptional clinical capabilities in a warm, family-centered space. “We want to take care of you in a special and unique way during this special time in your life,” LaTosha says. Meet Dr. Mustafa Board-certified ObstetricianGynecologist Hindiya Mustafa, MD, FACOG, is dedicated to providing comprehensive, individualized OB-GYN care. “I believe in making connections with patients,” says Dr. Mustafa, who describes herself as a home cook, a nature walker and a travel enthusiast. From providing preventive screenings to managing highrisk pregnancies, Dr. Mustafa combines medical expertise with a personal touch. To schedule an appointment, call 682.341.7330. For more information, visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Mustafa.
Fall 2025 5 Midwifery: Whole-person care Supporting women’s wellness, from checkups to maternity care At Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, we’re growing with you in mind. We’re excited to introduce our new midwifery program, making this important care option available to you within the comfort and safety of the hospital setting. Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) at THMA Lone Star Midwives are advanced practice registered nurses with years of specialized training. They offer a full spectrum of care to support women throughout every stage of life—from routine gynecological visits to comprehensive maternity care. Discover how the CNMs’ distinctive approach sets these providers apart. Patient empowerment. Midwives provide evidence-based care while ensuring that women feel informed and supported in their decisions. Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth or prefer an epidural, or anything in between, CNMs are here to honor your preferences while prioritizing safety. “We empower women,” says Midwife Whitney Bryner, APRN, CNM. “It’s important that women feel taken care of and heard. We do a really good job of that.” Plenty of time and personal connection. Appointments with midwives are designed to allow more time for meaningful conversations and individualized care planning. That means more opportunities to ask questions, receive education and resources, and explore your options. “We want to get to know you and what’s important to you,” Whitney says. “We take care of you, not just your pregnancy.” An emphasis on natural birth. CNMs are fully trained to manage complications and collaborate with physicians when necessary, but the midwifery model of care emphasizes whole-person wellness and minimal medical intervention. “We view pregnancy as a natural and beautiful process, not an illness,” Whitney says. “While medical intervention is sometimes necessary, we believe that supporting the natural process and intervening only when needed leads to the best outcomes.” A growing offering Wherever you are in your wellness or maternity journey, the nurse-midwives at Texas Health Mansfield are ready to provide exceptional care tailored to your preferences and needs. Whitney is the midwifery team leader, currently working with one other midwife (Kamren Brozovic, DNP, APRN, CNM, pictured at left with Whitney). More team members are being recruited. “With growth, more midwives will join our team to better serve our community,” she says. It’s all part of Texas Health Mansfield’s ongoing commitment to offering personalized, compassionate women’s healthcare, meeting the needs of our growing community with heart and expertise.
6 TexasHealthMansfield.org In the excitement of learning you’re pregnant, it’s easy to overlook ways to prepare for your little one’s arrival. That’s why we asked Labor and Delivery Team Lead Kristi Fernandez, BSN, RN, for some helpful reminders. Get ready for baby Check these things off your pre-baby prep list Tour the Texas Health Mansfield birthing suites! During your guided tour, you’ll see the birthing rooms and learn about the arrival process. This tour can help ease your mind by getting you familiar with the space and providing answers to your questions. To schedule your tour, call 682.341.6040 or email THM.Womens@AdventHealth.com. Choose a prenatal care provider. Options include obstetrician-gynecologists and midwives for your prenatal checkups, pregnancy questions and, ultimately, your labor and delivery care. “A lot of education takes place in the office with your provider before you go to the hospital to have your baby,” Kristi says. Prepare a safe sleep environment. Use a bassinet, crib or other firm, flat surface free from blankets, toys or other items. A sleep sack will keep baby warm. Remember: Infants should always have their own sleep space and always be placed on their back. Install a child safety seat. Babies should ride in a rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat of the car. “Put the car seat in a couple weeks prior to delivery so you’ll have it ready,” Kristi says. Be sure to read the owner’s manual for proper installation. Enroll in childbirth and breastfeeding classes. Discover classes at Texas Health Hospital Mansfield to help prepare you for your baby’s arrival. Find a pediatrician. You won’t be able to schedule an appointment until after your baby’s birth. But choosing a provider now helps ensure a smoother process once your baby is here. “And then you’ll feel a little less stressed,” Kristi says. Emotionally prepare for your newborn. Plan ahead for how to handle exhaustion, perhaps by asking family and friends for practical support. Prioritize your self-care. “Go outside daily for fresh air—it helps you reset,” Kristi says. “Showers and sleep are important for staying mentally ready for your baby.” Talk to your provider if you experience the baby blues.
Fall 2025 7 Facing breast cancer together Guidance and support at every step No one ever expects to hear the words, “You have breast cancer.” But should you receive this news, know that you won’t face it alone. Texas Health Hospital Mansfield will be here for you—every step of the way. Your guided journey begins. A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming and bring many questions. Kristen Jones, MPH, BSN, RN, our dedicated Women’s Health Nurse Navigator, is here to help you make sense of it all. She’ll connect you with trusted information, emotional support and financial resources, so you can focus on healing. “The initial emotion is often fear,” Kristen says. “‘What is going to happen to me?’ One of the best ways to combat that fear is with clear, accurate information.” Next steps with your care team. Within a week, you’ll likely meet with a breast surgeon to review your test results and explore treatment options. Many women undergo a lumpectomy or mastectomy, sometimes after chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. If needed, you may also meet with medical and radiation oncologists. Additional testing to guide treatment. You previously had a biopsy to confirm breast cancer. Additional tests, such as MRI or PET scans or a sentinel node biopsy, may help determine whether the cancer has spread and guide treatment. What to expect after surgery. Many lumpectomies are outpatient surgeries, meaning you can go home the same day. Mastectomies may require an overnight stay. If you choose, breast reconstruction can be performed in collaboration with a plastic surgeon. Support through recovery. From your first appointment through recovery, your care team will be by your side with instructions, encouragement and support. Breast cancer can take a physical and emotional toll. “This journey is not meant to be traveled alone,” Kristen says. “If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, or if you are concerned about financial burdens, let us know. We’re here to help.” Protect your health with gynecology exams Regular gynecological checkups are an important part of staying well. They provide opportunities to screen for cervical cancer and precancerous changes using a Pap test, HPV (human papillomavirus) test or both. “The importance of having Pap and HPV tests is to detect precancer cells before they become cancerous,” says OB-GYN De Shawndranique Gray, MD. Finding precancer cells or HPV infections can lead to treatments that can prevent cervical cancer. Pelvic exams may also be done during a gynecological visit. They can help your doctor detect issues like ovarian cysts or masses, endometriosis, or fibroids. This may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment. Even if you don’t need screenings or a pelvic exam, gynecological visits provide opportunities for you and your provider to discuss your health and how to maintain wellness. Navigating your care Facing a breast cancer diagnosis? You’re not alone. Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Women.
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 2300 Lone Star Road Mansfield, TX 76063-8744 M Is it time for a mammogram? WE DELIVER 24/7, 365 DAYS A YEAR. When it comes to delivering your little one, we’re committed to being there for you every hour of every day. Trust our dedicated labor and delivery team to ensure that every birth is as special as it should be. Your healthcare journey starts here. TexasHealthMansfield.org/Womens • 2300 Lone Star Road, Mansfield If you’re 40 or older, talk to your doctor about starting screening. When you’re ready, visit TexasHealth Mansfield.org/ Mammo to make an appointment.
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