My Baby's Baby: The Center for Prenatal Development. Dr Stephanie Hedstrom |
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FEATURES In the Line of Duty Get the Art Attitude |
My Baby's Baby: The Center for Prenatal Development. Dr Stephanie Hedstrom Dana lies back in a comfortable recliner, Ricky is right beside her, and I’m there, too - rather anxious. We all want to be reassured that everything is okay, and we want to know what it is. Dr. Hedstrom quickly explains, “But if you don’t want to know, I have to move the probe quickly, as parts of the anatomy are pretty clear.” Everyone laughs, we know what that means, and the doctor confirms it—boy parts. When New Mexico WOMAN spoke to The Center for Prenatal Development about this story, I promised to provide a patient. The young woman is my daughter. The subject of the examination is my third grandson. And I swear, now that I have seen him, he has Dana’s nose, Ricky’s feet, and has already smiled at me. I had never heard of the ultrasound test when my son was born 35 years ago, and today’s test was far superior to the one I did have 23 years ago, but now most mothers (and grandmothers) are familiar with the ultrasound scanning procedure. Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life, and though determining the health and the sex of an unborn baby through an ultrasound prior to its birth has become pretty routine, it’s still quite amazing to see. To witness the miracle of the early stages of life—just as feeling a flutter of movement for the very first time - is truly awesome. |
In the Line of Duty Imagine applying for a job that requires a physical abilities test, a background investigation, a polygraph exam, a psychological evaluation, medical exam, drug test, and other requirements. Sounds like serious police business - and it actually is. There are around 1000 sworn police officers in the Albuquerque Police Department. These officers complete a rigorous 14-step process to serve their community. The Albuquerque Police Department motto “In Step with Our Community” reflects the service-oriented attitude of both men and women officers. Of these highly qualified officers, about 12 percent (129) are women and 12 of those women are ranked at sergeant or higher. Lieutenant Beth Paiz, Sergeant Jana Ryan, Officer Yvette Alvarado, and Officer Natalie Sanchez are four women in the Albuquerque Police Department who took the oath to serve their community. They are dedicated, love their careers, and find their work to be challenging, fun, and rewarding. Lieutenant Beth Paiz has worked in many units and enjoys the variety of calls each day brings. Her day starts out like it does in the movies. “Police officers sit at a table and listen to the lieutenant or sergeant read through the blotter, informing the squad of current cases or training.” Lieutenant Paiz adds, “You can be looking for a lost child, then clearing a traffic accident, and soon after that be checking on the welfare of an elderly person. APD officers deal with all sorts of calls.” Lieutenant Paiz has worked as a patrol officer and as a public information officer. She was promoted to sergeant and supervised the White Collar Crimes and Crimes Against Children Units. She was recently promoted to lieutenant and is in charge of the new Prisoner Transport Unit. |
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Get the Art Attitude
Think back to when you had time to pursue creative interests like drawing, pottery, or knitting. When was the last time you tap-danced? Have you ever taken the time to string beads into a necklace? Or, if you’ve never been compelled to try an artistic endeavor, consider what activity might help you gain perspective on your life and renew your spirit. You might even discover a hidden talent or passion. Albuquerque cancer survivor and life coach Adele Frances, MA, says that coping with cancer can lead a woman to think about what her calling truly is, whether she’s living with joy and passion, and if she is using the skills and gifts she’s been given. All women can ask themselves this and discover how to enrich their lives. Frances says, “It’s never too late to pick up old dreams or form new ones.” New Mexico is an artist’s paradise, from Albuquerque and Madrid to Santa Fe and Taos. If there is something you’ve dreamed of learning how to do or make, you can probably find a place to take lessons. |
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COVER STORY
If you’re like most entrepreneurial women, between running a business, running errands and running a household, you’re running yourself ragged. While you may be juggling all of your responsibilities successfully, if you’re not making time for relaxation and contemplation, you’ll end up stressed out in no time. It’s important to meet your deadlines and follow through on your commitments, but an hour a week doing something you love can make a world of difference in your attitude, work, and personal life.