Did you know a certified nurse midwife (CNM) provides care that extends well beyond a woman’s pregnancy and childbirth? They also provide care for gynecological needs, family planning, annual exams, well-women care and more for women of all ages. Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, offers a fully staffed midwifery service with four certified nurse midwives in its practice. There is always a midwife on call, as well as an obstetrician for emergencies. Here the midwives share what influenced their paths to a career in midwifery.
Jennifer Finger, CNM: “My journey and approach to patient care was greatly influenced by the positive, caring and intuitive support I received during the birth of my own children,” said Finger. “With each birth, my midwife worked with me to implement a birth plan that honored my choices and was by my side throughout the birthing process. I offer that same personalized care for my own patients today,” she added.
Krista Kranz, CNM: “With my second pregnancy, twins, I was on bedrest for 10 weeks, four of which I spent in the hospital. That’s where I grew to love the role the nurses had in my care. This inspired me to become a labor and delivery nurse. As a nursing student at Ridgeview’s Birthing Center, I met the certified nurse midwives from Western OB/GYN. I loved watching the connection they developed with their patients, which inspired me to become a certified nurse midwife. I enjoy empowering women and encouraging them to direct their health care.”
Sarah Rose Labine, DNP, CNM: “I started my nursing career as a bedside nurse working in a Labor and Delivery unit. It was a powerful experience to be somebody’s ‘person’ during the life-changing experience of having a baby. I wanted to expand that relationship from just being a part of that person’s birth to being alongside for their entire journey. As a certified nurse midwife, I have the honor of partnering with women through all stages of life. I can be a calm, knowledgeable presence they can turn to as their body changes from a young person through menopausal age,” shares Labine.
Katelyn Neufield, CNM: “I recognized my passion in caring for women through pregnancy and childbirth when I volunteered at a birthing center in Uganda after graduating from high school,” said Neufeld. “Since then, I have supported hundreds of women in childbirth, first as a birth doula, then as a labor and delivery nurse, and now as a midwife. I have a strong desire to promote family-centered care and advocate for shared decision-making as women navigate pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and beyond.”
If you are you looking for a women’s health provider, schedule a free Meet and Greet at Western OB/GYN. Meet and Greet visits are offered as an opportunity to get to know more about a provider’s style, interests and background and to discuss your expectations and needs as a patient.
Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics is a long-established, independent practice of board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physicians, certified nurse midwives, certified family nurse practitioner and a physician assistant. As a team, they provide an array of services for women in all stages of life.