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LaAnnaBra Steiner-Wapsheli’s journey with Lindsay Kern, MD, began during one of the most challenging times in her life. It became the basis for a story grounded in trust and healing, fueled by genuine compassion.

In 2023, LaAnnabra and her husband went to the hospital unaware that their lives were about to change forever.

“We were going through the normal process, checking on the baby. I had been feeling her move all day,” she recalled. “The nurses hooked me up to the fetal monitor and all I remember was hearing silence. It was at that point that I had the thought that something was majorly wrong. But I didn’t want to believe it.”

“Dr. Kern came in and started an ultrasound. She was so gentle about it and told us to listen,” explained LaAnnabra. “She turned the monitor towards us to show us our daughter and indicated where her little heart was no longer beating.”

During a moment that felt both devastating and overwhelming, LaAnnabra remembers also feeling empathy and support from Dr. Kern. “She gave us time to just sit in the initial shock,” she said. “She wrapped me in a hug, along with my husband. She held onto us while we cried, telling us she was so sorry and that she wished she could give us better news.”

Dr. Kern led them through the following steps with both clarity and empathy, guiding them through one of the toughest experiences of their lives. “She stayed with us before we had to make any decisions. She provided condolences without platitude and offered space for us to be with our grief. The way she looked at us made me feel like she was truly there for us.”

“It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to go through,” LaAnnabra said. “Without Dr. Kern, I don’t think we would have made it through.”

In the weeks that followed, LaAnnabra and her husband returned to Dr. Kern for a follow-up appointment. She was the one they wanted to provide their OB care.

“She helped us understand what had happened and reassured us that there was nothing wrong with me, and that there was nothing wrong with our daughter. She provided education and encouragement. She helped us believe that maybe, someday, we could try again.”

Gradually, encouragement and hope replaced some of their grief.

When LaAnnabra became pregnant again in 2025, she and her husband initially began to see a different obstetrics provider. When they learned Dr. Kern would be returning to the Lewis-Clark Valley, but this time with TriState Health, their decision to transition their care to her was an easy one.

“It was the best decision for us, because I truly don’t think we could have gone through another pregnancy without her,” she expressed. “Dr. Kern was the only reason we were even open to trying to conceive again after our loss. Her empathy and her reassurance that we had not done anything to cause our daughter to pass were the reasons we wanted to return to her care for our rainbow baby.”

Pregnancy after loss brought emotions like anxiety and uncertainty, but LaAnnabra found the same reassurance with Dr. Kern that she had before. “Dr. Kern was so transparent, so informative, and so empathetic,” she said. “She answered every question and helped calm our fears. She took all my worries and stresses seriously and began monitoring the moment I brought them to her attention.”

The support extended beyond Dr. Kern to the entire care team. “Everyone at TriState was incredible. From the ultrasound techs to everyone in the office, the environment was warm and welcoming. The care we received wasn’t just medical. It was emotional, too.”

With Dr. Kern’s guidance and support from the TriState OB staff, LaAnnabra and her husband welcomed their son, a healthy baby boy who is now just over two months old.

“If Dr. Kern were in front of me right now, I would just say thank you,” said LaAnnabra. “I’ve told her that already, but there aren’t enough words to express how grateful we are. Grateful for her care, her compassion, and everything she helped us through. Without her, we never would have tried again.”

Today, the Steiner-Wapsheli home is full of love and includes not only their newest baby, but also their ten-year-old son. LaAnnabra and her husband, both with backgrounds in professions that focus on helping others, spend their time raising their children, caring for their ‘zoo’ of pets, and enjoying moments together.

“We’re kind of a nerdy, gaming family,” she said, smiling. “We love board games, video games, and we’ve been watching The Lord of the Rings movies together. The extended editions, of course.”

As long-time residents of the Lewis-Clark Valley, giving back and supporting others have always been important to them. “We are big proponents for doing anything

that not only helps ourselves, but the people around us, our family, our friends, or really anyone in our locality,” LaAnnabra shared. Now, their experience has deepened their community connection even further.

“TriState Health has provided fantastic care to my family. Dr. Kern is truly amazing, but it’s also the entire team and the environment they create. I want people to know that kind of care exists right here in our community.”