Background: Lauren Nolen, M.D., began her practice at Conway OB/GYN in 2016. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and also completed her residency there in obstetrics and gynecology. Before attending medical school, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas, where she graduated summa cum laude. She is originally from Perryville.
Nolen is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the AOA Honor Medical Society.
Access to women’s healthcare is a growing concern across Arkansas. Why is it so important for women to have access to an OB/GYN close to home, and what challenges do patients face when that access isn’t available?
There are many obstacles to receiving healthcare, and not having an OB/GYN close to home adds another layer of complexity for women to seek either obstetric or gynecologic care. When services are provided locally, patients are more likely to receive care early, consistently, and before a problem becomes an emergency. When that access is not available, delays in care can mean missed opportunities for diagnosis and intervention, which can increase risks for both mothers and babies.
Many Arkansas communities are considered maternity care deserts or are at risk of becoming one. How does the loss of local obstetric services impact mothers, babies, and entire communities?
We continue to see more labor and delivery units close due to the financial strains that are widespread in healthcare currently. This poses a danger for some mothers living in rural communities who are forced to travel great distances to receive care. This can mean having to take more time from work to travel to appointments, as well as missed appointments due to transportation and the associated costs. Of greatest concern is that sometimes, when it comes to obstetric care, time is of the essence, and many things require immediate evaluation, which is delayed due to the time and strain of travel.
Conway Regional recently introduced a Laborist Program. What is a laborist, and how does this model enhance care for expecting mothers?
A laborist is a dedicated obstetrician to the labor and delivery unit who provides “in-house” coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that there is always an assigned obstetrician immediately available to respond to emergencies or any other needs of our busy labor and delivery unit. This program was created at the request of our OB physician group to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.
How does having dedicated laborists in the hospital improve patient safety, response times, and the overall birth experience?
Having a dedicated laborist will increase patient safety by having a physician immediately available to respond to emergencies. Unlike many hospitals, our laborist group is formed only by the 11 OB/GYNs already practicing at Conway Regional. This means we are all already familiar with our hospital protocols, equipment, etc. Time is often of the essence in emergencies, and having a trained OB in the hospital will reduce response times and create an overall safer environment.
For parents facing high-risk pregnancy or unexpected complications after delivery, what resources are available through Conway Regional’s NICU?
Conway Regional has an 8-bed level II NICU, which was the first in the state to partner with Arkansas Children’s Hospital in a pediatric nursery alliance. We have experienced pediatricians as well as 3 dedicated neonatal nurse practitioners to handle any unexpected complications after delivery.
What does it mean to you to support women and families through some of life’s most important moments?
Supporting women and families through some of life’s most important moments is one of the greatest privileges of being an OB/GYN. We get to be present during times of excitement and hope, but also during moments of uncertainty, vulnerability, and sometimes loss. I work hard to earn the trust of my patients by not only providing medical expertise, but also compassion, reassurance, and a safe place for patients to ask questions and feel heard.