Midwives are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized graduate education in midwifery. They are nationally certified and licensed to provide a full range of women’s health services, including pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic care.

At South County Health, our Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) provide compassionate, personalized care at every stage of life — from adolescence through menopause and beyond.

What Is a Certified Nurse Midwife?

A Certified Nurse Midwife is a highly trained healthcare provider who:

Kelly Russell, CNM, (center) with Nursing Staff from the Woman and Newborn Care Unit at South County Hospital

Care During Pregnancy & Birth

Our midwives provide comprehensive prenatal care and perform deliveries at South County Health.

Services include:

  • Prenatal visits and routine screenings
  • Labor and delivery care
  • Vaginal birth support
  • Postpartum care for mother and baby
  • Breastfeeding guidance and support

Midwifery care emphasizes:

  • Open communication
  • Support for physiologic (low-intervention) birth
  • Access to pain management options when desired

If medical complications arise, our midwives collaborate closely with obstetricians and specialists to ensure safe, seamless care.

Midwives like Emily Hoffman, CNM, right, provide a full range of women’s health services, including pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic care.

Health Beyond Pregnancy

Certified Nurse Midwives also provide a full range of gynecologic and preventive care, including:

  • Annual well-woman exams
  • Cervical cancer screening
  • Contraceptive counseling and management
  • Preconception counseling
  • Menopause management
  • Diagnosis and treatment of common gynecologic concerns

Midwives care for women throughout their lives — not just during pregnancy.

A Personalized, Relationship-Based Approach

Midwifery care is centered on partnership.

Our midwives take time to:

  • Listen to your goals and concerns
  • Provide education so you can make informed decisions
  • Support your birth preferences
  • Advocate for your health and wellbeing

We believe every patient deserves respectful, individualized care in a safe and supportive environment.