What is a midwife?
Understanding their role in women’s healthcare
When you’re expecting a baby or thinking about your reproductive health, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a care provider. While many people are familiar with OB/GYNs, fewer may know about midwives—compassionate, highly-trained professionals who provide expert care before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as across the full span of a woman’s life.
At New England Midwifery at Catholic Medical Center, we’re proud to offer high-quality, patient-centered midwifery care to women in Manchester and the surrounding communities in southern New Hampshire.
What is a midwife?
A midwife is a healthcare provider who specializes in supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. However, their role extends well beyond maternity services. Midwives also provide gynecologic care, family planning, and menopause management, helping women maintain lifelong wellness.
“Many people think of midwives as only providing care for labor and delivery, but we have years of experience and training in gynecologic care as well, including well-woman exams, wellness education, and treatment for common gynecologic conditions,” said Christy Aberg, MSN, APRN, CNM.
Midwifery is one of the oldest healthcare professions in the world. For centuries, midwives have been central to childbirth and women's health in cultures across the globe. In fact, for much of human history, women gave birth at home under the care of a local midwife.
In the early 20th century, with the rise of hospital births in the U.S., midwifery declined, but in recent years there’s been a renewed appreciation for the individualized, low-intervention and relationship-based care that midwives offer.
Research has shown that midwifery-led care can lead to:
- Lower cesarean section and episiotomy rates
- High satisfaction with birth experiences
- Quality outcomes for low-risk pregnancies
- Strong patient-provider relationships
As more families seek natural birth options, shared decision-making, and whole-person care, midwifery has once again taken its well-earned place in modern healthcare.
Most midwives in the United States, including all of those at New England Midwifery, are certified nurse-midwives (CNMs). CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed graduate-level training and are board-certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
Kerri Hoyt, MSN, APRN, CNM, said “Midwives are guided by our values of shared decision-making, compassion, and accountability. Our team of midwives is committed to delivering exceptional care with quality outcomes for every patient.”
Why choose a midwife?
“Whether you’re preparing for your first birth, exploring birth options, or simply looking for a provider who listens and supports your long-term health, midwives are committed to providing exceptional care,” stated Isabel Brewster, MSN, APRN, CNM.
Midwives offer patients:
Personalized, holistic care
Midwives are dedicated to getting to know you and your body, your goals, and any concerns. Appointments allow for thoughtful discussion, education, and shared planning. Your physical, emotional, and mental well-being are all considered part of your health.
Shared decision-making
One of the cornerstones of midwifery care is empowerment through information. Midwives will partner with you to help you understand your options and make informed choices that align with your preferences and values.
Low-intervention, high-quality care
Midwives are experts in supporting natural, physiologic childbirth while offering all comfort measures during labor including epidurals. When medical interventions are needed, they are used thoughtfully and in collaboration with physicians. This balance often leads to high satisfaction with the birth experience.
Whole-life women’s health
Midwives provide more than pregnancy care. From your first period through post-menopause, they offer compassionate gynecologic care, contraceptive counseling and menopause management in a respectful, supportive environment.
Safe and evidence-based
Midwifery care is proven to be safe and effective for low-risk pregnancies and general women’s health. CNMs are highly-trained, certified professionals who work closely with physicians and specialists when more complex care is needed.
About New England Midwifery
Formerly known as St. Mary’s Bank Pregnancy Care Center, New England Midwifery is a trusted provider of comprehensive women’s healthcare.
“At New England Midwifery, we are proud to offer the full-scope women’s healthcare, including maternity care, gynecology, family planning, and menopause support,” said Kelli McKay, MSN, APRN, CNM.
Our mission is to provide every woman with individualized, respectful, and expert care at every stage of life.
“Whether you're exploring birth options, seeking a new provider for your annual exam, or navigating menopause, our team is here to support you,” said Jewelia Chevalier, MSN, APRN, CNM.
New England Midwifery is conveniently located adjacent to the Catholic Medical Center campus, providing seamless access to hospital-based services and specialty care when needed. Our patients deliver their babies at The Mom’s Place at CMC, which features an all-in-one Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum (LDRP) Unit. CMC is also nationally recognized as the first hospital to implement a couplet care NICU model, an evidence-based practice that keeps mothers and babies together to enhance bonding, breastfeeding success, and overall family satisfaction.
To schedule an appointment with one of our midwives, call (603) 663-6661. We welcome new patients and look forward to being your partner in health.