Month: May 2026

Pumping and Returning to Work

Every successful breastfeeding journey begins with knowledge, patience, and support. At Stewart Memorial, we are dedicated to helping you feel confident and empowered at every step, whether you’re nursing, pumping, or returning to work.

Returning to work while breastfeeding or pumping can feel challenging, but planning ahead can make the transition smoother. Start by talking with your employer about break times and a private, comfortable space to pump. Try to pump at your baby’s usual feeding times to maintain your milk supply and prevent discomfort.

Make sure you have all your supplies ready, including a reliable pump, properly fitting flanges, storage bottles or bags, and a cooler with ice packs for safe milk storage during the day. Label your milk and follow recommended storage guidelines. Practicing your routine at home can help you feel more confident.

Supporting your body is just as important as supporting your routine. Stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, and manage stress to help maintain your milk supply. Some parents find looking at photos or videos of their baby while pumping encourages let-down.

Remember, every journey is unique, and adjusting to a new routine takes time. Our lactation consultants are here to provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you create a plan that works for you and your baby.

Lactation

Stewart Memorial Kid’s Camp 2026

This summer, Stewart Memorial is offering a focused and engaging Kid’s Camp led by experienced therapists Marie Drey, OTR/L and Courtney Schreck, MA, CCC-SLP.

Designed to support children’s developmental growth, this camp features structured, fun activities that strengthen cognitive, motor, and social skills in a supportive environment

Camp Activities Include:

• Sensory obstacle courses to build coordination and balance

• Crafts to improve fine motor skills

• Music and sensory play for language development

• Scavenger hunts for problem-solving and teamwork

• Nutritious snacks provided

• Peer interaction to build social skills

• Gross motor and upper body activities

Camp Schedule

Ages 2–3

June 16, 19, 23 & 26

10:00–11:00 am

Ages 4–6

June 15, 17, 22 & 24

1:00-2:30 pm

Cost: $40 per session

To Register:

Call Stewart Memorial Rehab Services at (712) 464-4244 or visit https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdcyLFQXLd…/viewform… to register.

A consent form will be required on the first day of camp.

Space is limited. Early registration is encouraged.

A Stewart Memorial Employee’s Personal Journey Through Cardiac Rehabilitation

After spending years caring for patients as an employee at Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics, Norma Wessling, CMA, recently found herself experiencing healthcare from a different perspective as a patient herself.

Following a heart attack earlier this year, Norma began participating in Stewart Memorial’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program. What started as part of her recovery journey quickly became an experience that deepened her appreciation for the care, encouragement, and connection provided through the program.

“I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about our cardiac rehab services until I began,” Norma shared.

She also noted that her initial concerns were less about the event itself and more about how it would impact her daily life.

“To be honest with you, it affected my job and travel,” she said. “That was probably more my worry than the actual heart attack.”

Now working closely with Shelly Hammen, RN, and Sarah Mowrey, RN, Norma says the experience has shown her firsthand how important support and encouragement can be during recovery.

“The girls make it enjoyable, fun,” Norma said. “You get to know them; they get to know you. It’s tough a little, but you always feel better when you’re done.”

Throughout the program, Norma has steadily built strength, confidence, and endurance. Each session is designed to safely challenge patients while helping them regain stamina and return to the activities they enjoy most.

“It does make me feel good after you’re done with the exercise,” she said. “I have more stamina.”

As both a Stewart Memorial employee and patient, Norma says the experience has strengthened her pride in the organization and given her a deeper understanding of what patients experience during recovery.

“It makes me feel proud to know we have this great program for our patients,” she said. “If I can help any of our patients with the reassurance to do it, not to be afraid, I think that’ll help strengthen my interaction with our patients.”

Now nearing the completion of the program, Norma hopes her story reminds others that recovery is possible and that they do not have to face it alone.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Stewart Memorial Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Expanded Behavioral Health Services Space in Lake City

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting and open house for its new Pod D Behavioral Health Services space at the Lake City Clinic on Friday, May 8, at 3:00 p.m.

Community members, staff, healthcare leaders, and local officials gathered to celebrate the expansion of behavioral health services and Stewart Memorial’s continued commitment to increasing access to mental health care in rural Iowa. Guests toured the newly renovated space, met behavioral health providers, and learned more about the growing services available through Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics.

Special guests included Wendy Larson, who serves Iowa House District 7, and Jacob Bossman, who serves as Regional Director for U.S. Senator Charles Grassley and represents Iowa House District 14. During the event, Larson and Bossman joined Stewart Memorial leaders and staff in discussing the importance of behavioral health services in rural Iowa and the continued need to ensure patients and families have access to quality mental health care close to home.

Stewart Memorial leadership also highlighted the challenges many rural communities face in accessing timely behavioral health services, including provider shortages, transportation barriers, and long wait times. The new Pod D Behavioral Health Services space was designed to help meet those growing needs while creating a welcoming and supportive environment for patients and families.

The newly completed space features three therapist offices, a private waiting area, a dedicated play therapy room, a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) room, and an adjacent camera system observation space that allows therapists and parents to participate in evidence-based family therapy sessions in a safe and supportive setting.

The ribbon cutting also marked a significant milestone in the rapid growth of Stewart Memorial’s mental health service line. In 2023, behavioral health services at the Lake City Clinic included just one therapist. Today, the Lake City location has expanded to three therapists, with a total of five therapists an two behavioral health medication providers now serving patients across Stewart Memorial’s rural health clinics.

“This new space represents our continued commitment to expanding access to mental health care in the communities we serve,” said Darci Peterson. “Mental health care is an essential part of overall health, and individuals in rural communities deserve the same access to quality services as those in larger urban areas. We are proud to continue growing our services to better support children, families, and adults close to home.”

Stewart Memorial leaders expressed gratitude to the community members, staff, and local leaders who attended the event and supported the continued expansion of behavioral health services throughout the region.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics Celebrates DAISY Award Winners and Nominees

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize several outstanding nurses through the DAISY Award program, honoring extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence, and dedication to patient care.

This year’s DAISY Award winners are Megan Schuttler, Kelly Lee, and Renee Bronzynski, who were each recognized for going above and beyond to provide comfort, kindness, and exceptional support to patients and families during difficult moments.

Megan Schuttler was honored for the compassionate care she provided to a patient who arrived at the Emergency Room alone during a challenging day. Megan immediately began providing attentive and thoughtful care, ensuring the patient received all necessary tests and treatments. When the patient was too weak to walk to the pharmacy, Megan personally picked up the prescriptions to make sure they received the medications they needed. On a cold, windy day, she also started the patient’s car from the lobby and safely wheeled them out to it before discharge. The patient shared that Megan made a stressful and isolating experience much easier and described her kindness and attentiveness as truly remarkable.

Kelly Lee and Renee Bronzynski were recognized for the exceptional care they provided to a patient facing severe pneumonia and a complex transfer to another hospital. The patient’s family expressed heartfelt gratitude for the attentiveness, gentleness, and emotional support the nurses provided during an overwhelming and frightening time. As the family prepared for the difficult transfer, they shared that they were crying and terrified, but Kelly and Renee continued to care for their loved one with patience, skill, and unwavering compassion. The family described them as amazing staff members who made a profound difference in their experience.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics also recognizes Dawn Parkins as a DAISY Award nominee for the compassion and emotional support she provided to a patient and family during a stressful medical situation. Dawn took time to stop and speak with the family while their loved one struggled with severe breathing difficulties related to a complicated medical history. Through reassurance, conversation, and a heartfelt offer to pray with the family, Dawn brought comfort during a deeply emotional moment. The family described her gesture as beautiful and meaningful and praised her compassion and kindness.

“The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who make a lasting impact through both clinical excellence and compassionate care,” said Ann Lengeling, Chief Nursing Officer at Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “Megan, Kelly, Renee, and Dawn exemplify the compassion, dedication, and patient-centered care that define nursing at Stewart Memorial. We are incredibly proud of the difference they make in the lives of our patients and families every day.”

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families each day. Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is honored to have these exceptional nurses as part of its team and congratulates them on their well-deserved recognition.

Wellness Bike Challenge

Join Stewart Memorial for a community bike challenge this Memorial Day weekend!

Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and ride at your own pace anytime anywhere. Whether it is a short ride or a long adventure, every mile counts.

Take a photo during your ride and share your experience with the community as we celebrate movement, wellness, and connection by posting in the Facebook event or commenting on our recap post May 26th!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BtGDGb8TR/