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:
Holds a graduate degree in nursing and midwifery
Works collaboratively with physicians and specialists
Provides evidence-based care with a focus on education, shared decision-making, and supporting each patient’s individual preferences
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.
Rhode Island's First Member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network
South County Health is the first health system in Rhode Island to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Now patients can access global expertise through their South County Health provider, at no additional costs.
Tune in Thursday, October 8 to learn more and hear from South County Health and Mayo Clinic leaders.