Partners In The Process

Sara Stevens, CNM, RN

Gerber Memorial celebrates National Midwifery week

FREMONT – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is recognizing national midwifery week this week.
Certified nurse midwives (CNM) specialize in pregnancy and childbirth, natural birth, postpartum care and support, breastfeeding support, routine gynecologic care, birth control and more.
“We provide care for women from adolescence through menopause and focus on empowering women through pregnancy and childbirth,” said Sara Stevens, CNM, RN, a certified nurse midwife at Gerber Memorial.

Midwifery care doesn’t necessarily mean an all-natural birth. Stevens said that midwives’ philosophy is to support women in whatever decisions they choose.
“Midwifery care means more one-on-one and hands-on care which decreases rate of pain medications and epidurals during labor,” Stevens said. “However, we are very supportive of women who choose to get epidurals and pain medications in labor.  We also take care of women who are planning a C-section and would like more personalized care during their pregnancy.”

Stevens joined Gerber Memorial at the beginning of 2018, bringing extensive experience including assessing and caring for women in triage; providing care to mothers during labor and delivery, recovery, and postpartum; and gynecological care to women across the lifespan, including family planning/birth control services.
“Some of the benefits of midwifery care include more individualized maternity and gynecological care, decreased cesarean section rates, decreased induction of labor and augmentation rates, and generally more time with your provider during appointments,” Stevens said.

Certified nurse midwives are highly-qualified providers with graduate degrees in advanced practice nursing, licensed with the State of Michigan and certified through the American Midwifery Certification Board. 
“I chose to become a midwife when I witnessed the birth of my oldest niece. I was 17 at the time and was so amazed by the birth process as well as how important good quality care is to women in labor. I am so happy that I made the choice to further my education and career by becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. My favorite part about being a nurse midwife is providing care to women throughout their pregnancy and providing labor support. I also love to involve their partner and support people throughout the whole process,” said Stevens.
​
Parents who choose to partner with a certified nurse midwife for prenatal care will receive evidence-based care that optimizes the health of mother and child. Parents will also have a strong advocate for the kind of birth experience they want. Stevens said Spectrum Health’s certified nurse midwives also work in collaboration with providers should the need arise for additional medical or surgical care.
For further information, contact the Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at 231.924.1212.
​