LewisGale Midwives

11/12/2025

Recent studies suggest that hormone therapy benefits outweigh the risks for most women in perimenopause and menopause, particularly with forms of hormones available now that include first line bioidentical estrogen and progesterone, which are different than the hormones studied in earlier studies. Your midwife is happy to help you assess the risks and benefits of treatment in perimenopause or menopause for you, in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

Background:
In the 1990s, a large study called the Women’s Health Initiative was undertaken to look at estrogen-progestin therapy, and in 2002 the trial announced that estrogen-progestin therapy was being halted prematurely due to safety concerns, primarily breast cancer rates and stroke rates in some study participants. Prescriptions for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) went down dramatically, and new physicians and providers like midwives experienced limited education around hormone therapy. The FDA warnings were attached then and have not been removed until now, though further research shows the warnings do not apply to all products equally and can dissuade patients from therapy they may benefit from.

10/29/2025

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to honor those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant. On October 15th, we participated in the Global Wave of Light with our nurse colleagues and families who have experienced loss. We honor you and we hold you in our hearts.
It is normal for posts like these to bring forward complex emotions. We recommend Star Legacy Foundation as a good place to seek support, and you are always welcome to call your midwife here at LewisGale.

10/28/2025

Hyperemesis gravidarum in the news!

Our appearance on WDBJ7's Here @ Home this time is dedicated to all of our patients who struggle or have struggled with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a truly life-changing condition where life every day in pregnancy becomes a struggle to get through the day and survive. We see you, and we are dedicated to you.
We midwives understand the seriousness of HG and lead with compassion and high quality guidance from Hyperemesis Education & Research - HER Foundation and our professional organizations to help our patients.
We review the new research on the science behind HG which brings hope to the millions of people that have been affected by this condition - brought to you by a researcher Dr. Marlena Fezjo, who herself had HG in two pregnancies.

10/28/2025

Here's an update to the time of the Postpartum Support Virginia perinatal support group in Blacksburg. The intent is to make it more inclusive of working parents.

This support group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at the Blacksburg library. All pregnant and postpartum people are welcome and, of course, babies and toddlers are, too!

10/21/2025

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Although anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, women are disproportionally affected.
• One in 4 women is the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner while 1 in 7 men experiences severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.
Survivors deserve safety. Survivors deserve support. Survivors deserve solidarity. For and beyond, we commit to showing up for survivors, always.

10/16/2025

Preparing for the postpartum period?
Hayley Nasrallah, MA, a resident in counseling at Life Worth Living Counseling, is offering class called "Mental & Emotional Wellness for the Fourth Trimester: Preparing for Postpartum". The class is open to any pregnant person in the community and will be offered monthly in Roanoke! See the flyer for more information.
Register at this link: https://book.squareup.com/classes/8hkslvq2phujpq/location/LJ5PAV3J87PD5/classDetails/clssch_o8j4bzzvd9dvwj?dateStart=1761400800

10/02/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Use this convenient QR code to schedule your mammogram. If you are scheduling for screening alone, you can do so without an order from your midwife!
If you have breast concerns, call 540-772-3650 to schedule an appointment today.

10/02/2025

We are currently collecting diaper and wipe donations for Huddle Up Moms' Support Shop via bins in the Salem and Blacksburg offices. Look for the sign below!
The diaper drive goes until October 17th. Huddle Up Moms provides wipes and diapers year-round to families in need.
You can also donate money at the link: https://huddleupmoms.networkforgood.com/projects/220348-huddle-up-moms-general-giving
Your support is appreciated. Any little bit helps!
Thank you all!

09/13/2025

Check out this virtual support group for moms with OCD. It’s free and intended to a space to share and receive support around this common anxiety-related diagnosis.
Register here:
https://forms.gle/3KsjEEt8tX5cgFQb7

09/10/2025

Have you been hearing about perimenopause and menopause more often lately?
Many people experience life-altering symptoms during the perimenopause/menopause transition and your LewisGale Midwives are here to help.
Check out our discussion with Natalie Faunce @ WDBJ7.
https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/09/09/most-experts-agree-women-perimenopause-menopause-are-not-managing-symptoms/

08/13/2025

Check out Mamaraderie Roanoke’s fall class offering for the early days of your baby’s life (0-8 months welcome)!

Send a message to learn more