By Sharon Squibb, MS, CNM, ARNP
When people hear the word “midwife,” they often think of pregnancy and babies.
While pregnancy and childbirth have been important parts of my career, many people are surprised to learn that midwives do much more than that. In fact, a large part of my practice focuses on helping women stay healthy through all stages of life, not just during pregnancy.
As a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), I have the privilege of caring for women through some of life’s biggest milestones, as well as the everyday moments in between.
So, what exactly is a midwife?
A Certified Nurse Midwife is an advanced practice provider with specialized training in women’s health and reproductive care.
That means I can provide many of the same services women often seek from an OB-GYN or women’s health provider, including preventive care, wellness exams, reproductive health services, prenatal care, and menopause management.
But perhaps more importantly, midwifery is about building relationships and helping women feel comfortable, informed, and involved in their healthcare decisions.
Do I have to be pregnant to see a midwife?
This is probably the biggest misconception I hear.
Many women assume they only need a midwife if they’re expecting a baby. The reality is that I care for women of all ages and in many different stages of life.
Some of the most common reasons women schedule an appointment with me include:
- Annual well-woman exams
- Pap tests and preventive screenings
- Birth control questions
- Irregular, painful, or heavy periods
- Hormone-related concerns
- Breast health concerns
- Sexual and reproductive health questions
- Perimenopause and menopause symptoms
- General wellness and preventive care
Whether you’re a young adult scheduling your first women’s health visit or someone navigating menopause, I’m here to help.
Supporting Women Before, During, and After Pregnancy
While I no longer provide delivery services, I continue to care for women before, during, and after pregnancy.
For women who are planning to become pregnant, I can provide preconception counseling and help ensure they’re as healthy as possible before beginning that journey. During pregnancy, I offer prenatal care right here at Lucas County Health Center, allowing many women to receive much of their care close to home.
Through our Share Care model, I work closely with patients and their delivery team at a larger facility. As pregnancy progresses, we coordinate the transition of care for labor and delivery while continuing to provide support and prenatal visits locally whenever appropriate. This approach allows patients to benefit from specialized delivery services while still receiving much of their care in a familiar setting with a provider they know and trust.
After delivery, I have the opportunity to welcome families back for postpartum care, helping mothers navigate recovery, breastfeeding, emotional wellness, and all the adjustments that come with a new baby. I also provide care for newborns, allowing me to continue supporting both mom and baby during those important first weeks and months.
One of my favorite parts of this process is being able to build relationships with families throughout their journey—from pregnancy through delivery and into life with their new little one. Even though I may not be the provider delivering the baby, I still have the privilege of being part of that exciting chapter and helping families every step of the way.
What I Want Women To Know
If there’s one thing I’d like women to take away from this, it’s that you don’t have to be pregnant to see a midwife.
Midwives are women’s health providers who care for women through many stages of life – from annual exams and preventive care to reproductive health concerns, prenatal and postpartum care, and menopause management.
The healthcare needs of a teenager are very different from those of a woman in her 30s, 50s, or beyond. My goal is to provide care that meets you where you are, answers your questions, and helps you feel supported in your healthcare decisions.
Whether you’re due for a checkup, planning a family, navigating changing hormones, or simply looking for a provider who takes the time to listen, I’d be happy to help.
Women’s health is a lifelong journey, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside my patients through every stage of it.