Expanding access to nurse-midwifery services could improve maternal health outcomes by providing culturally sensitive, community-based care, particularly in underserved communities around the U.S. where disparities and rising maternal mortality rates are prevalent.
National Midwifery Week is recognized from Oct. 6-12 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the professional association that represents advanced practice midwives (APMs), including certified nurse-midwives (CNMs).
This year’s theme is “Midwives Looking to the Future”
Nurse-midwifery care emphasizes a natural, individualized approach to childbirth with minimal intervention, providing comprehensive support through all stages of pregnancy that prioritizes the health of both mother and child.
Nurse-midwives play a key role in improving maternal health outcomes and addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved communities and especially in the U.S., where maternal mortality rates are rising. Additionally, expanding access to midwifery services offers culturally sensitive, community-based care that could help bridge gaps in healthcare access and trust.
Students and alumni of the Nurse-Midwifery Program at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing make significant contributions to the field of midwifery, maternal and infant health.
This year, the School of Nursing celebrates not only the role of midwives but also the journey of the nurse-midwifery program, which has been a cornerstone of the northeast Ohio community for over three decades.
Since its inception in the fall of 1983, the nurse-midwifery program at the School has aimed to enhance and expand nurse-midwifery services in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
Over the past 39 years, the program has produced over 225 graduates, all of whom have played a vital role in elevating the standards of maternal care in our region. The impact of these graduates is profound; the number of practicing nurse-midwives in the area has increased from fewer than 20 to over 100, reflecting a growing recognition of the essential services they provide.
Nurse-midwives are integral to many of the healthcare systems in Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Summa Health Systems and Neighborhood Family Practice all boast thriving midwifery practices and are actively seeking to recruit more nurse-midwives.
Additionally, MetroHealth Medical Center is in the process of re-establishing its nurse-midwifery practice, further demonstrating the growing demand for these skilled professionals.
The School’s nurse-midwifery program is part of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree track and is led by Leslie Stroud. The comprehensive program prepares students to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to women and their families, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a variety of clinical settings.
As the School celebrates National Midwifery Week, it’s essential to acknowledge the dedication of our nurse-midwives and the transformative care they provide. Their commitment not only improves health outcomes for mothers and babies but also promotes a holistic approach to healthcare that prioritizes the needs and preferences of women.
Learn more about some alumni of the nurse-midwifery program.
Kathryn Timlin, student nurse midwife, contributed writing to this piece.
Meet some of our current Nurse-Midwifery students
Abby Henkel
Henkel is a labor and delivery nurse at the Cleveland Clinic in Canton and is completing her midwifery certification. Cheered on by her daughter and husband, she has wanted to be a midwife for a decade and has enjoyed finally getting into the clinical setting this semester and is looking forward to the future of the nurse-midwifery program.
Clara Medwid
Medwid is second-year nurse-midwifery student who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and a Master of Nursing degree. She’s spent her nursing career working in labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDPR), where she’s developed a passion for supporting and protecting natural birth within a medical setting. Medwid is looking forward to expanding her work with experience from the nurse-midwifery program.
Huda Aqeeli
Aqeeli is an international student from Saudi Arabia. For the past three years she has worked as a labor and delivery nurse, but becoming a midwife has been a dream since she became a nursing student. She is thrilled to be taking the next steps to achieving that dream and is grateful to be surrounded by a supportive team at the School.
Kathryn Timlin
Timlin is a second-year midwifery student who is passionate about women’s health and supporting families during childbirth. A veteran of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and an experienced labor and delivery nurse, she combines her unique background with compassionate care. As a mother, her personal insights enhance her dedication to creating positive birth journeys. Timlin is excited to dedicate her career to empowering women and families in the future.
Maimuna Bah
Bah is a student from the Gambia, West Africa. She is married and has three children.Bah is also a U.S. veteran and is looking forward to practicing the midwifery skills she learns at the School of Nursing in the Gambia.
Marshae Lashley
Lashley is currently enrolled at CWRU as a post-degree certificate student for midwifery. She has been a registered nurse for 3 years in the field of labor and delivery, postpartum, and high risk antepartum. Throughout her matriculation in the midwifery program she has learned that midwifery isn't just about birthing babies but is also about the magic that comes from birthing mothers and families.
Saja Bashaikh
Bashaikh is originally from Saudi Arabia and is pursuing her passion for midwifery as a first-year nurse-midwifery student. She has experience as a staff nurse and teaching assistant in maternity care, is interested in maternal health research, and is currently working as a research assistant.
Taylor Recinella
Midwife means “with woman” and Recinella is passionate about women’s health and pregnancy. She is a second-year nurse-midwifery student and has been a registered nurse since 2018, with experience in the neonatal intensive care unit and labor and delivery.