How Modern Medicine Rewrote Menstruation, Birth, Menopause, and Death | Kara Dobelis, ARNP

Modern medicine has dramatically changed how we understand—and often experience—some of the most fundamental processes of life: menstruation, birth, menopause, and death. But in the process, many of the natural rhythms, inner wisdom, and holistic care models have been lost. In this episode of Rooted & Wild, we challenge conventional medical narratives and explore how integrative, trauma-informed care can restore dignity, body-awareness, and holistic support during life’s most transformative transitions.Joining us is Kara Dobelis, ARNP, an integrative family nurse practitioner, trauma-informed clinician, and co-founder of Integrative Family Medicine in Des Moines, Iowa. Kara’s own path—from critical care and surgical nursing, through healthcare administration, to founding a patient-first holistic practice—gave her frontline insight into the gaps in conventional care.With dual master’s degrees in Clinical Informatics and Nurse Practitioner practice, and extensive experience treating chronic illness, complex viral conditions, and immune dysfunction, Kara brings a depth of clinical knowledge and compassion to her work. She specializes in caring for patients who don’t find answers through standard medical protocols: those with chronic fatigue, suspected Lyme disease, EBV, long-term immune suppression, or undiagnosed systemic issues.Kara offers a written and embodied approach to integrative care: trauma-informed intakes, personalized diagnostics, nutritional and lifestyle medicine, IV and NAD+ infusions, herbal and homeopathic support, nervous system regulation, and ongoing follow-up aimed at restoring balance and vitality. Her own healing journey—marked by illness, trauma, and ultimately, resilience—drives her dedication to helping others reclaim their health holistically.In this conversation, we dig into:How modern obstetric and gynecologic practices have shaped our experience of menstruation, birth, menopause, and end-of-life care.What gets lost when birth becomes medical procedure, menopause becomes pathology, and death becomes taboo.The role of integrative medicine in honoring the body’s natural cycles and transitions.What trauma-informed, compassionate healthcare can look like during major life passages.How lifestyle, nutrition, nervous-system care, and personalized medicine can support smoother transitions — on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.If you’ve ever questioned the standard narrative around these life stages, or felt like medicine overlooked the deeper truths of your body’s experiences, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a different path forward.Learn more about Kara Dobelis and Integrative Family Medicine:https://www.integrativemediowa.comRooted & Wild provides general information for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Henry Hawk. The content shared on this podcast is not intended to replace individualized medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns.