Devon Swanson, one of the Butler Memorial Hospital's certified nurse midwives, said it is a common misconception that midwives only deliver babies. Swanson is standing beside a jet tub, where mothers in the early stages of labor can relax in a warm bath with jet massagers. The tub is not used for deliveries.

While it's true that the three full-time certified nurse midwives employed by the obstetrics and gynecology department at Butler Memorial Hospital deliver 75% to 80% of the babies who arrive in the usual way, they also provide gynecological care for women from puberty to menopause and beyond.

Nancy Gross, director of the OB-GYN department at Butler Health System, said the midwives also work at Women's Care Associates, which is the only OB-GYN practice whose patients deliver at Butler Memorial Hospital.

She said the three midwives were hired in the last five years after working at various private practices.

The certified nurse midwives have a master's degree in midwifery and a nursing background, Gross said.

“They have the nursing background, and there are a lot of patients out there who identify really well with a midwife,” Gross said.

Devon Swanson, one of the hospital's certified nurse midwives, said it is a common misconception that midwives only deliver babies.

She said she as well as many Women's Care Associates doctors who see women as they progress through their pregnancies, so mothers are familiar with whoever is providing their care when the big moment comes.

If a midwife is caring for a mom who needs an emergency cesarean section to deliver the baby surgically, an obstetrician from the practice is called in to operate, Swanson said. But the midwife who was caring for the patient up to that point often accompanies her into the operating room and assists the doctor.

“The doctor is always on call with us,” she said. “If we see a complication that we need them for, they are readily available.”

Gross said all mothers have the option to use a midwife or doctor during their labor and delivery at the hospital.

“They are still actively involved in the patients' situations,” she said.

While midwives are helping women with labor and delivery, doctors are making rounds on the unit, performing circumcisions and carrying out C-section deliveries, Gross said.

Swanson said women nationwide can expect to see midwifery grow at OB-GYN offices because the occupation is considered equal to that of physician assistant and nurse practitioner.

She said some still think of midwifery in its old-fashioned use, when significant education, experience and certification is actually required.

“When some people hear midwife, they think we're doing a delivery on some back dirt road,” Swanson said.

Swanson, who figures she has delivered more than 1,000 babies in her six years on the job, became a certified nurse midwife to connect with and help women.

“I just felt very connected to and compelled toward women's care,” she said. “I just had this strong desire to be an advocate for women.”

Swanson especially appreciates delivering the second or third baby for the same woman.

“I like the connection I have with the patient,” she said.

Swanson also loves her job at Butler Memorial Hospital.

“It's amazing,” she said. I love the nurses there. We provide midwifery coverage 24 hours per day from Monday to Saturday morning.”

Gross attributes the health system's recent designation on Newsweek's 2020 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals to the staff in the maternity department.

“The collaborative effort between the hospital and (Women's Care Associates) is quality-driven,” she said.