ABOUT OUR PRACTICE

Our Philosophy - Pregnancy is a natural process. 
Everyone deserves a safe and satisfying birth experience. In most cases, birth can occur with very little intervention. With education and good communication between the family and the provider, our clients can make decisions about their care. We facilitate, not dictate the process, intervening only when safety is compromised. 

Click here to find out more about using a nurse-midwife.

Our Clients
Generally our clients are healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies. We will provide care to women who have had a previous cesarean section desiring a vaginal birth, if they meet certain criteria of safety.

We Offer The Best Of Both Worlds
We follow the standard of care developed by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Standardized laboratory tests including ultrasound and genetic testing are available. Through our practice you will have access to some of the top Obstetrical and Neonatal Staff in the country. At the same time we offer individualized, nurturing, low-intervention care. Trusting relationships and satisfying birth experiences are emphasized. You should feel free to ask questions, and help make decisions about your care.

The Birth Process
On your first visit feel free to bring all your questions and expectations. We will address them. Together we can decide how to best meet your requests. During subsequent visits you can expect a review of your progress and anticipatory guidance. When laboratory tests are needed we will review the reason for and the implications of the results. If you wish, you could develop a birthplan to ensure that your birth experience is as close to the way you want it as possible. Whether you desire a natural or a medicated birth, we will help you to prepare. From admission until the time of your delivery, we will be with you, whether your labor is two hours or twenty. 

Midwife means, “with woman” and we are.

Using a Nurse-Midwife
You and your baby are in the care of experienced women who are educated to rigorous standards and are board-certified. You’ll go through all your pre-natal visits with them. You’ll get information that allows you to make wise choices about how you want your birth experience to unfold.

When it’s time to have the baby, your nurse-midwife will meet you at either Vanderbilt University Medical Center or at Nashville General. She’ll be available as needed throughout the entire labor and delivery, no matter how long it takes. And for moms who are going to breastfeed (which we strongly encourage), your nurse-midwife will help you get started.

Call 936-5858 today to set up an appointment.

Looking for more information about nurse-midwifery and women's health care?
The Vanderbilt School of Nursing’s Nurse-Midwifery Faculty Practice group encourages potential clients and our existing patients free consultations with a nurse-midwife by calling the clinic, 615-936-5858. The consultations are offered daily Monday through Friday. 

These photographs reproduced with permission
from the book Giving Birth by Mary Motley Kalergis.