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In many ways, Nat Torkelson’s, MS, RN, career in nursing has been a lifelong pursuit. In her office on the campus of Hillcrest Medical Center, where she serves as the administrative director of cardiovascular services at Oklahoma Heart Institute, a collection of neatly situated items speaks to her 45 years of service – framed degrees,…

After giving birth, mother and baby are encouraged to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible. Sometimes breastfeeding can be a confusing and challenging process for mothers. Remember that every pregnancy is different, and your expectations and results will vary with each baby. Even if you weren’t able to breastfeed your prior baby, it can be…

Oklahoma is home to some of the most beautiful and largest lakes in the country. Many of us enjoy boating and swimming in these lakes. Before heading out we prepare food, pack our clothes and sunscreen and hit the road for a fun-filled vacation. However, an important step that is often missed is checking lake…

No two pregnancies are the same just as no two deliveries are the same. At least that was my experience. As my husband and I prepared to welcome our third child in 2015, we followed a carefully thought-out plan to give us the best chance for a full-term pregnancy and healthy delivery. With a history…

If you are expecting or a new mother, Hillcrest Hospital Cushing offers free childbirth classes to mothers who deliver at our hospital. These classes focus on a variety of topics to help prepare mothers, such as: labor and delivery, breastfeeding, newborn care, infant CPR and a sibling class for your other children adjusting to a…

If you plan to deliver at the Peggy V. Helmerich Women’s Center at Hillcrest Medical Center, it is valuable to know that every labor and delivery nurse has received doula training from a certified doula. A doula is a professional who has been trained in birthing techniques and provides emotional, physical and educational support to…

During the breastfeeding stage of motherhood, many concerns mothers have can be due to common misconceptions. Many mothers worry they aren’t producing enough milk or they possibly have “low milk supply”. This can be a discouraging process for mothers who feel like they are not feeding their baby enough or are having several issues when…

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and there are many disorders patients may suffer from after having a stroke. One disorder is called dysphagia, which is a swallowing disorder that may occur in up to 65 percent of stroke patients. Dysphagia causes difficulty swallowing and, in some cases, patients find it…