Johnson County, KS May 2024

MayLadies’ Issue

Dear Readers,

As the warmth of summer approaches, I find myself reflecting on the significant women who have shaped my life - my wife, my mother, and my mother-in-law. Their love and support have been pillars of strength for me, guiding me through life’s ups and downs.

May not only signifies the transition to warmer weather but also holds special significance as Memorial Weekend approaches. Memorial weekend marks the unofficial start of summer; a time when families come together to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories. However, it’s also a time when Americans pause to reflect on the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in military service. As we gather with loved ones for barbecues and picnics, let’s take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

With the arrival of May, it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors and soak up the sunshine with family and friends. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the park, a bike ride along scenic trails, or a relaxing day at the lake, let’s make the most of these precious moments together. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, let’s savor the simple pleasures of life and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Warm regards,

WADE KOTARBA, PUBLISHER

@JOHNSONCOUNTYCITYLIFESTYLE

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/JOHNSONCOUNTY

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Wade Kotarba | wade.kotarba@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Mindy Hargesheimer, Daniela Leon, Lisa Moyer, Allison Swan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

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BARBER

I’m an experienced barber stylist with 27 years of expertise in cutting, coloring and styling hair. I specialize in African American hair, including pixie cuts, bobs, blowouts and silk press techniques. Experience a personal and luxurious style transformation with the award-winning stylist, Tosha Houston-Wilson.

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I’ve been in the men’s hair industry for 8 years and I specialize in doing men’s hair. My clients are not just my clients, they are my friends and family and I treat them as such. There is nothing that feels better than making someone’s day with a good cut. I like to make people’s day and love what I do.

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NICOLE MAIERS

STYLIST

I am a dedicated and skilled cosmetologist with over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry. I enjoy keeping up with education and all aspects of cosmetology, including color, dimensional color, hair cutting and styling. I have a loyal clientele who trust me with their hair needs and appreciate my professionalism and creativity.

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Jump start your health with HyVee

Hy-Vee Dietitians agree that Healthy looks different for everyone. The Hy-Vee Healthy You subscription provides virtual or in-person dietitian services to create a plan that works for your lifestyle. Healthy You includes the Healthy Habits Menu Program, designed to help support a sustainable and balanced lifestyle. Weekly menus include meal plans, snack ideas, simple recipes, and a convenient grocery list. To learn more, scan the QR code below.

Big Slick Celebrity Weekend Tickets on Sale

Big Slick Party & Show tickets can be purchased at www.bigslickkc. org or directly at T-MobileCenter. com. Fans can also attend the Big Slick Celebrity Softball Game at Kauffman Stadium on Friday, May 31. Access to the celebrity game is included for everyone who purchases a Kansas City Royals regular game ticket. If purchased through the Big Slick website (or via this link):  www.mlb.com/royals/tickets/ specials/big-slick), a portion of ticket proceeds is donated. For more information visit www.bigslickkc.org

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The

ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ARE A WIN FOR KC

CELEBRATING, EMPOWERING, AND SUPPORTING WOMEN’S SPORTS HAS NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITING IN KANSAS CITY THAN NOW!

It’s no secret that women’s professional sports are creating huge headlines around the world, thanks to history-making projects and brilliant visionaries taking the initiative to amplify our local landscape. From the KC Current’s first-ever stadium in the world built specifically for a women’s professional sports team to the powerful undercurrents transpiring behind the scenes and under the radar, prepare yourself for more records to be made and additional local sports fandom experiences you can engage in!

“The KC Current are changing the game and showing the world what can be done and how successful it can be.”

Kansas City Current

Arguably one of the most celebratory accomplishments in our city is not only the expansion of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with the Kansas City Current and their roster of exceptional female athletes, but the development of the gorgeous CPKC Stadium at Berekely Riverfront Park making global headlines for embarking on an empowering, inclusive, and transformational change in women’s sports.

“The KC Current are changing the game and showing the world what can be done and how successful it can be. What’s better? It’s happening right here in our backyard in Kansas City,” says Dani Welniak, KC Current’s Vice President of Communication.

Dani summed up what fans can expect while cheering on our women at the downtown destination, including developing a passion and loyalty for the team as well as and an entertaining and modern stadium creating a memorable experience for fans by activating all five senses.

The community-focused stadium also offers the best that KC has to offer in a single destination, including the local restaurant partners curated by Colby and Megan Garrelts of Rye. “CPKC Stadium was built with celebrating Kansas City’s rich cultural heritage in mind and reflects the diverse history and unique influences in culture, art, food, sports and music.”

Don’t have tickets to catch a match in-person? Tap into the historic new broadcast deals for the league, local broadcast partners, KC Current Radio and the KC Current app. kansascitycurrent.com | @kccurrent cpkcstadium.com

Kansas City Roller Warriors

Kansas City’s ‘Rink of Fire’ has been burning since 2004 and a founding member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) and host to our city’s premier roller derby league.

The Roller Warriors consist of three home teams: The Strawberry Hellions, the Midtown Misfits, and the 18th & Vines and play in the historic Memorial Hall in Strawberry Hill from November through May as well as a combined competitive travel team called the All-Stars that is made up of players from those three home teams and beyond.

With a monthly doubleheader, the players volunteer their time to battle it out in the competitive sport complete with punny player nicknames like Demanda Slappin as a nod to the once-theatrical sport.

Lauren Murphy, aka Hellvetica and KCRW’s Marketing and Communications Officer, is actively getting the word out about the local sports experience. Also on the Advisory Board for WIN for KC, Lauren started as a Junior skater under the mentorship of her mom who competed in the league and is now a force for inclusivity and encouragement on and off the track. She has helped bring to life what the league is today including match drinks and eats by Sponsors Embrace the Grape and Blended Vibes and the post-bout festivities at pinball bar 403 Club. You can support the teams by attending a match, making a tax-deductible donation, attending a fundraising event and following along on social media.

“Women in sports are still battling for equal awareness, but we are not only here to stay, but to play!”

Kansas City Glory

Kansas City’s women’s tackle football team is another example of paving the path for even more greatness. KC Glory is led by USA Gold Medalist and Owner Keke Blackmon, who founded the team in 2019 with a calling to serve and empower women and girls on and off the field.

“I am overloaded with excitement that others are starting to see what has been here this entire time. Our future is destined for greatness. Women in sports are still battling for equal awareness, but we are not only here to stay, but to play!”

The Glory has a roster of 50 players including four international players. As Head Coach, Keke’s love for the game is fueled by the opportunity for impact and inclusivity, representing women of all shapes and sizes and a variety of professions by day and who sacrifice countless hours to be a part of something bigger. The season runs April through June, and the team can be seen playing at Shawnee Mission North High School.

Collectively, the team is known for their immense support for organizations that give much back to the community, including Girls Play Flag Football, Our Spot KC, and WIN for KC, of which Keke and GM, Krishnna Lee, have both been awarded the Leadership Award.

You can find the Glory’s schedule and home game tickets on their website and ongoing updates on social media. kansascityglory.com

“...it was a bit astonishing to me that in 2023 women who wanted to play professionally couldn’t play here at home, and that’s what motivated our decision to form the team.”

Kansas City Pro Volleyball

Save the date for January 2025 when Kansas City’s new Women’s Professional Volleyball team launches.

In 2023, owners Missy and Kent McCarthy identified the opportunity to add KC to the Pro Volleyball Federation’s roster. Investing extensive time and resources into their new passion project, they became fast friends with Lori Thomas, former college player and Commissioner of the Heart of America Athletic Conference, as well as Kathy Nelson, KC’s Sports Commissioner and President & CEO of WIN for Kansas City. Both rank amongst the impressive list of females laying the local groundwork in women’s sports.

“Women’s volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports—the third most watched NCAA sport behind men’s football and basketball; it was a bit astonishing to me that in 2023 women who wanted to play professionally couldn’t play here at home, and that’s what motivated our decision to form the team.”

The majority of female volleyball athletes exit college and have to look outside the USA to play professionally, acquiring additional training and a new cultural experience. But, they sacrifice an incredible amount in doing so. With the addition of the Pro Volleyball Federation, they now have the option to come home and play professionally with competitive salaries and to have their friends and family cheer them on.

In 2025, the women’s Pro Volleyball league will consist of 10 teams playing in-season from January to mid-May. “There is so much excitement in the stands. It is amazing to watch these women play in person, their talent is incredible.”

kcprovolleyball.com

“It is on a trajectory like no one has ever seen before. The women’s games are as good as men’s; they come down to buzzer-beaters and overtimes and they are so fun to watch.”

Kansas City Sports Commissioner

“Participate. Spectate. Celebrate.” Kathy Nelson’s mantra for everyone to play a part in the amplification of women’s sports in KC. Kansas City’s Sports Commissioner and President & CEO of WIN for KC, Kathy is wildly impressive in her accomplishments leading the movement of women’s sports locally alongside so many powerful counterparts.

WIN for KC envisions a community where sport ignites the life of every woman and girl. From the simple act of showing up at your local high school volleyball game to cheering on our competitive figure skaters, tackle football players, roller derby warriors, and more, you are directly making an impact on the continual and life-changing opportunities for KC women in sports.

Kathy has been working behind the scenes for decades playing an integral role in the development of events like the annual Camp WIN girls sports camp, Women’s Sports Awards (the largest in the country), Big 12 and Division I Women’s Basketball, and the 2025 DI Women's College Volleyball.

“It is on a trajectory like no one has ever seen before. The women’s games are as good as men’s; they come down to buzzer-beaters and overtimes and they are so fun to watch.”

On a national level, Kathy says KC is not only recognized for its efforts through WIN for KC, but that others are starting to do deep dives into what is working and how are we impacting our community to follow in our footsteps.

Visit sportkc.org and follow @winforkc for ways to show up and support local KC women’s sports.

Custom Homes

Discovering Beauty and Confidence:

ARTICLE

BY LAUREN POWERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The popularity of medical spas and laser treatments reflects a broader trend towards self-care and wellness.

Located in the vibrant heart of Shawnee, Laser Derm Med Spa stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of beauty and skincare. Founded in 2003 by the visionary Dr. Joseph Leiker, this family-owned practice has earned a reputation for their commitment to providing top-notch patient care.

While the spa has offered an array of services over the years, including Botox, fillers, and laser skin resurfacing, its commitment to becoming a true expert in laser hair removal sets it apart. “Over the years we’ve honed our craft and made a conscious decision to truly become experts in one area and chose to specialize in our most popular service—laser hair removal,” shares President of Laser Derm Med Spa, Eric Leiker, Dr. Joseph Leiker's son and a pivotal figure in the spa's success.

"The popularity of medical spas and laser treatments reflects a broader trend towards self-care and wellness," notes Eric. "In a fast-paced world, people are increasingly seeking treatments that offer lasting results and boost their confidence." Laser hair removal, in particular, has become a known gamechanger for many, offering a convenient and effective solution to the age-old problem of unwanted hair.

At Laser Derm, the focus is not just on providing services but on creating a personalized experience for each client. "We take tremendous effort to ensure once a patient sees a specific provider that we place them with the same provider for their follow-up treatments," says Eric. This commitment to personalized care extends to their approach to appointments—patients often marvel at the personal touch of receiving a phone call within minutes of submitting an email inquiry.

Safety and comfort are paramount at Laser Derm. The spa boasts over 10 lasers specifically designed for hair removal, each equipped with a chiller system to cool the skin and ensure a comfortable experience. Their patented Skintel device analyzes the skin's melanin content to customize treatment settings, ensuring both safety and efficacy each visit.

“For example, the same patient who presents in December may come in again in April upon returning from a spring break trip,” Eric explains. “So you don’t want to simply use the same exact settings that you used on the prior treatment. In this way, we are customizing the treatments every visit.”

The Laser Derm Med Spa team prioritizes educating clients about the laser hair removal process, setting realistic expectations, and emphasizing long-term results over quick fixes. "We want to set expectations at a reasonable level as well. Unfortunately, too many hair removal clinics will try to overpromise and say that their clients will never have a hair come back or they will never shave again, but that’s not typically the reality of how the process works,” says Eric. “Even though every patient may not get to 100% reduction, an 80-90% improvement can be absolutely life changing.”

For those curious to learn more about Laser Derm Med Spa, a visit to their website (laser-derm.com) or social media channels (@laserdermkc) provides a glimpse into their services and promotions. With a commitment to excellence, personalized care, and innovation, Laser Derm Med Spa continues to shine as a beacon of beauty and confidence in our community.

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN

Splendid Capsule Collection

by local designer, Becky

Hillyard

Becky Hillyard is the woman behind Cella Jane blog, a name inspired by her beloved grandmother. Inspiring others through sharing the beauty in life, from fashion and decor to recipes and family, she shares her latest spring clothing line designed in collaboration with Splendid.

This versatile capsule collection features elevated everyday essentials perfect for mixing and matching to create endless outfit possibilities. With a minimalist design made for maximum impact and attention to subtle details, this collection is tailored for the modern woman with a timeless aesthetic in mind. Get a sneak peek behind this fun collaboration as Hillyard shares her story.

Q: CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO CREATING YOUR NEW SPRING CLOTHING LINE THAT YOU DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH SPLENDID?

A: This is my fifth seasonal line and second spring line with Splendid! I have always been a fan of Splendid and their effortless pieces and comfortable fits, and I am so proud of the lines we have created together!

Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE COLLECTION?

A: My spring Signature Collection with Splendid has fresh colors, lightweight fabrics, and is reflective of my love of elevated basics. Each piece is easily layered so that anyone can create a head-to-toe look or blend a style into their existing wardrobe. We designed them with everyday, on-the-go wearability, as well as a polished look that is perfect for pulling off the ongoing quiet luxury trend. I love that I can dress these styles up or down, and create thoughtfully understated looks thanks to the classic feel of each piece.

This

versatile capsule collection

features elevated everyday essentials perfect for mixing and matching to create endless outfit possibilities.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PIECES?

A: That is so hard to narrow down! I love the Pointelle Sweater Vest and Striped Cable Short Sleeve Sweater. Both are classic spring sweaters and can easily be worn into summer. I also love all of the scuba pieces including the Wide Leg Pant and Polo Sweatshirt and Short Sleeve Sweatshirt. The scuba pieces are made from the most comfortable and luxe fabric!

Q: AS OUR READERS KNOW, YOU'RE BEHIND CELLA JANE BLOG--WHAT INSPIRES YOU WHEN IT COMES TO FASHION?

A: My blog, Cella Jane, is named after my grandma whose classic style inspired me in both fashion and lifestyle. I love following other influencers and fashion houses for the latest

styles and trends. My kids and family also inspire me too! As I've had kids, my style has changed and I am drawn to more luxe everyday pieces. My mom and sisters love fashion too and we are always experimenting with looks together.

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PLANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

A: I hope to continue doing what I love! I enjoy sharing the latest fashion trends, the best beauty tips, and offering advice on how to have a healthy balance in life. I am currently designing my 2024 fall Signature Collection with Splendid and can't wait to finalize and share that with everyone!

For more information, visit cellajane.com

RESTRICTION CONSUMINGYOUR

F O OD

DIETITIAN EXPLAINS WHY POPULAR ELIMINATION DIETS OFTEN DON’T GET TO THE ROOT CAUSE

ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Do you long for the day when your life won’t revolve around your restrictive diet? Amy Schleper, MS, RDN, CDCES, treats the most complex dietary cases, but her goal for her clients is always the freedom to live a balanced life.

“My clients’ prior diet experiences have shifted my role towards more of a diet protector. I try to avoid extreme diet restrictions, if possible,” Amy says. “Some modifications are needed of course, which is what medical nutrition therapy is and what dietitians are licensed to practice, but if your diet is so extreme that it’s consuming your entire life… that’s not freedom.”

Amy serves clients throughout the U.S. who have gastrointestinal dysfunction, food sensitivities, histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), POTS/dysautonomia, and other issues.

Because Amy is trained both conventionally and in integrative/holistic approaches, she believes she can provide optimal care for her clients. “I think the best care comes from both perspectives. Our conventional training prioritizes client safety because it keeps us rooted in evidence-based practices, while our functional/integrative approach keeps us open and aware of more modalities.”

Originally from Olathe, Kansas, Amy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, and Founder/Owner of Redo Nutrition, LLC since 2015. She has been practicing as a dietitian since 2009 and has worked at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City and at College Park Family Care Center in the KC area. In 2018, she was honored with an award for Outstanding Dietitian of the Year by the Kansas City Dietetics Association.

Today, her full-time role at Redo Nutrition includes seeking the root cause of clients’ problems. She analyzes their medications, supplements, sleep patterns, stress, blood sugar, hydration, energy, etc. “If you want a food list or menu, the internet is your place.

If you want to get to the root of your problem, I’m your gal.”

Amy says that GI complaints are “overwhelmingly common” and often mistreated. “People often think their symptoms are normal or that diet is the problem. This can lead to food elimination in the effort to troubleshoot. Sometimes people back themselves into a corner with this approach,” she says, adding that a severely limited diet is not always the answer.

Amy says that extreme diets are often recommended to “fix” conditions, but these claims are not supported by quality evidence.

“Symptom improvements on highly restrictive diets are often just a compensation… not a lasting fix. The concept of ‘food is medicine’ is understandably appealing, but without proper guidance, you can get stuck.”

When presenting diet options to clients, Amy prefers the term “informed consent,” analyzing the pros and cons, risks and rewards.

“These are not innocuous choices. A big potential risk of restrictions includes negatively impacting your microbiome, which can exacerbate many of the health conditions that people are trying to improve. Ironically, this can often drive more food reactivity through a variety of mechanisms.”

Many of Amy’s current clients sought her help after trying multiple diets from multiple clinicians.

“They’re scared to eat anything! We must untangle what is real reactivity and what is a food rule that needs to be challenged. I’ve seen clients who have gotten down to 3-5 foods in total (in one case, down to one food only). Once you get there, it is REALLY hard to climb out. There is research supporting the case that when you eliminate foods, you are more at risk of reacting to it later. Your immune system stays more tolerant of foods when you keep them around.”

"A big potential risk of restrictions includes negatively impacting your microbiome."

Amy adds that the advantages of having the broadest diet possible are in a word… nutrients, including carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, phytochemicals, etc. “You get the most exposure to these nutrients when you get a variety of foods,” she says. “The lowest mortality risks are associated with the broadest diet possible. So if you choose to embark on an elimination diet, do it alongside a professional, to ensure you don’t get stuck there.”

One client who worked with Amy fully resolved her small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

“Prior to working with Amy, I had experienced a full year of uncontrolled diarrhea after eating almost anything,” she states. “At times I was scared to even leave my house. The gut issues were giving me a lot of anxiety because no one could figure out what was going on…Today, I no longer have diarrhea after every meal. I am more regular and feel healthier. I eat more of a variety of foods rich in prebiotic fiber. Amy literally changed my life and gave me back the freedom to do things without worry.”

Interested in contacting Amy? Visit redonutrition.com for transparent pricing and to request a free 30-minute phone call.

Amina Hood: Crafting Elegance, One Hat at a Time

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN

Photography Janie Jones

In the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, Amina Hood has made her mark as a prominent hat designer, blending luxury and artistry into each piece she creates. Although her journey into the world of millinery was unexpected, it was born from a blend of passion for textiles and an eye for design. "Becoming a hat designer was never my original plan; it just unfolded naturally.”

Photography Janie Jones

With a background in luxury retail, she found herself unexpectedly creating a hat for a friend in need. Little did she know, that moment would spark a passion that would define her career.

Amina's career in Kansas City began a decade ago, marked by an inaugural show at First Fridays in the Crossroads. This event ignited her ambition to expand her business within the vibrant art community.

"I am eternally appreciative of Kansas City and the arts community for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in my journey as a creative entrepreneur.”

Amina describes her design style as "relaxed luxury, with meticulous attention to detail and superior textiles”. Her professional training as a couture milliner continues to set her creations apart from others in the industry. Her hats have graced the pages of fashion publications such as Vogue and L'Officiel, in addition to being showcased in the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When it comes to materials, Amina believes sourcing those of the highest quality is the first step to designing an exceptional hat. She often finds inspiration from her global travels and is dedicated to finding the finest natural materials, such as silk, wool, and Panama straw. These materials not only ensure the beauty of the hats but also their longevity and craftsmanship.

Photography Samantha Levi

Photography Janie Jones

Amina's designs are also deeply influenced by cultural and historical elements. Recently tasked with designing a hat for a short film set in the late 1800s, she immersed herself in research to ensure accuracy and authenticity. The result was a stunning silk top hat that she describes to have “perfectly captured the essence and style of the era”, again, showcasing her commitment to excellence in every project.

Running a millinery business comes with its unique challenges such as the lack of suppliers and materials, especially in the Midwest.

“The scarcity of millinery materials in Kansas City makes it difficult to find what I need locally, often resulting in urgent overnight shipments from New York City.”

Despite the late nights and shipping fees, Amina remains committed to timeless design, coupled with her unique eye, of which sets her apart in an industry that often revolves around temporary trends.

One of her most memorable experiences is being chosen as a member of the US Milliners Guild and participating in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition showcasing the history of rock and roll.

“Each member was asked to create a hat inspired by the theme, and my design was a punk-inspired mohawk hat made of leather. The mohawk was fashioned with wire drum brushes, giving the hat an edgy, rock-and-roll feel.”

Looking ahead, Amina is excited about expanding her wholesale business into new domestic and international markets, all while dipping into the equestrian dressage market, and designing pieces tailored towards enthusiasts. This being said, her native vision remains the same.

“As our business continues to grow, I am committed to providing customers worldwide with creative, exceptional hat designs and tandem products of the highest quality.”

Upholding her mark on the world of hat design, her dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and artistic expression remains unwavering. Through her hats, she not only adorns heads but also weaves stories of elegance and sophistication, making her a true artisan in the world of fashion.

Photo Janie Jones

SUPPORTING NATURAL BIRTH

Offering mothers a safe and a natural birth experience

ARTICLE BY DANIELA L.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

As Kansas City prepares for hosting the 2026 WorldCup, a freestanding birth center is providing global-class natural birth experiences from the privacy of Corporate Woods in Johnson County; Kansas City’s New Birth Company.

“It’s a triumphant, spiritual and athletic process which many of us have experienced.”

Co-Founded by midwife Catherine Gordon and Cerner alumni Kendra Wyatt, New Birth Company is among the over 400 licensed birth centers in the country and serves as KC’s only state licensed and nationally accredited freestanding birth center for low-risk women. Their mission is to generate an atmosphere that provides and supports women of all backgrounds with a natural childbirth that is safe, beautiful and affordable.

“We invite all moms and families to come out for a tour and orientation and learn about midwifery and the birth center as an option,” said Wyatt. ”They can discover if our focus on nutrition and stress reduction is something they are interested in. During their initial visit, we perform extensive screenings supported by lab results, and we can tell moms early in their pregnancy if they are a great candidate, or if they are best served by an obstetrician. What people don’t know is that 85% of pregnant women qualify for care with a midwife.”

Wyatt says the birth center excludes certain interventions like c-sections, epidurals, and constant electronic monitoring. Wyatt assures safety is a top priority at New Birth Company and stresses the center has transfer plans in place in case moms need to be moved to a hospital if there are complications during, before and after birth. New Birth Company also utilizes electronic medical records for expecting mothers and their babies to ensure clinical and safety standards. The center’s certified nurse midwives (CNMs)  are also all board certified.

“Supporting moms desiring a wellness pregnancy and physiologic birth should be an option for everyone,” said Wyatt. “We don’t make guarantees in healthcare, but we can dramatically increase the odds of having natural childbirth. It’s a triumphant, spiritual and athletic process which many of us have experienced. We can help you increase the odds of you having the birth you desire.”

Education is another pillar at New Birth Company aimed at building trust between families and their birth team.

Personalized prenatal appointments are routinely scheduled to monitor mom's health, baby’s growth and give family’s one-on-one time with their midwives. The visits also help the center learn more about expecting mothers and their medical history, health status and also educate a mother on nutritional and body movement needs during pregnancy and finalizing a birthing plan.

During birth, families can choose among the center’s three birth suites. Each suite mirrors a homelike environment equipped with comprehensive medical supplies and offers a queen size family bed. The suites also have an active birth pool to support an expecting mother and her birthing plan, including the option for a water birth.

Following the birth of a newborn, the center offers postpartum and newborn care. Home visits are also scheduled following birth so families can receive the parenting and breastfeeding support they need. Wyatt stresses each family is different, but the goal is to create an inclusive space for everyone especially since it’s located within Kansas' most populous county.

“We are in network with every major insurance plan. Large employers are calling for the increased utilization of birth centers and midwives. We are one of the answers to improving maternal outcomes and especially for women of color,” said Wyatt, “everyone deserves a safe and beautiful birth experience.”