When LeAnn Pettow, Women’s Health nurse practitioner at Lakewood, earned an additional board certification in reproductive health and infertility this year, this was more than adding another credential. It was an opportunity to enhance her knowledge and become an even stronger resource for patients navigating infertility.
“I wanted to make sure everything we’re doing is evidence-based and that I’m doing everything I should be doing for my patients,” Pettow said. “I want to be the best resource I can for them.”
Not only did Pettow build on the knowledge she has gained through the three years of caring for patients at Lakewood. She also spent time at Reproductive Medicine & Infertility Associates, an infertility clinic in the Twin Cities that partners with Lakewood, where she observed consultations, met patients, and learned more about IVF medications and treatment protocols. She then completed additional independent study and passed a 125-question certification examination.
While IVF procedures are not performed at Lakewood, the Women’s Health team at Lakewood provides infertility evaluation and treatment services leading up to IVF, along with local laboratory testing and monitoring for patients working with IVF clinics. This allows patients to complete many important parts of their care closer to home.
“Infertility treatment can already be very expensive. Being able to offer care locally means patients don’t have to travel as much. We can provide their labs, monitoring and many infertility treatments right here,” she said.
The certification also affirmed the quality of care already being provided at Lakewood.
“It was really rewarding to see that we are practicing according to the same standards as large infertility clinics,” Pettow said. “We’re able to provide amazing care here and give rural patients access to something many people across our state may not have close to home.”
Originally from New York Mills, Pettow knew from an early age that she wanted to care for women and babies. That calling eventually led her to women’s health, where she can advocate for patients and support them through some of life’s most significant and sometimes most difficult moments.
Infertility journeys can be lengthy and emotional, yet Pettow treasures the relationships she develops with patients along the way.
“I often tell patients it feels like we’re holding hands through the entire process. When they receive that positive pregnancy test, it brings me so much joy. It feels like a friend is sharing wonderful news with me. It’s an honor to continue watching them throughout their pregnancy and see them bring their baby home.”
🔗 To learn more about Women's Health, go to https://www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com/care-services/womens-health
In addition to being a Women's Health nurse practitioner, Pettow is a certified reproductive health and infertility provider.