Midwives have a rich history in childbirth, but today, about 90% of midwife-assisted births in the U.S. take place in hospitals. At NYU Langone Health, midwives work alongside medical teams to provide tailored care in a setting ready for emergencies.
Take Juliette Sardou’s story, for example. Originally planning a home birth, she discovered during a routine check-up that her baby had an irregular heartbeat. This led her to NYU Langone for further evaluation. Dr. Colin K. Phoon, a pediatric cardiologist there, identified a heart condition that needed close monitoring before and after birth.
Dr. Phoon suggested that a hospital birth would be safer for both Juliette and her baby. He then referred her to a team of maternal-fetal specialists and midwives to ensure she received the best care while respecting her wishes for childbirth. “We wanted to support Juliette’s vision while prioritizing her baby’s health,” Dr. Phoon explained. This kind of teamwork is vital; it allows for personalized care alongside necessary medical support.
By 37 weeks, Juliette developed high blood pressure and had to be admitted for delivery. Midwives Kathryn Mulholland and Karry K. Li worked hard to honor her birth plan, which included avoiding an epidural and choosing her own labor positions. “Every midwife had my back,” Juliette shared. “They really listened to me and communicated well with my partner.”
In the end, Juliette welcomed a healthy baby boy who didn’t need ongoing care. “I’m so grateful for the midwives,” she said. “They made a tough situation so much more manageable.”
At NYU Langone, midwives are an essential part of the healthcare team. They provide care during pregnancy, delivery, and beyond. “Our focus is on listening to patients and creating birth plans that reflect their desires,” explains Eugenia Montesinos, director of midwifery services. The team collaborates closely with obstetricians and specialists to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
Justin Brandt, director of maternal-fetal medicine, emphasizes, “Patient safety comes first. We maintain open communication with each patient, allowing us to make informed decisions together.” This approach helps manage both routine and high-risk pregnancies effectively.
For first-time parent Alison Ferrell, her experience changed dramatically once she joined the midwifery team at NYU Langone. After feeling rushed and ignored at her previous clinic, Alison felt seen and heard by the midwives. They encouraged her to share her priorities and craft a birth plan focused on her preferences. “I felt like I was truly cared for,” Alison reflected.
During her labor, things didn’t go as planned. An infection required antibiotics, but the midwives remained transparent and supportive throughout the process. Alison gave birth to a healthy baby girl, and even after leaving the hospital, she received a follow-up call from Eugenia. “That check-in meant so much,” Alison said, highlighting the importance of continuous care after delivery.
“Every pregnancy is different,” Montesinos noted. “We strive to listen and adapt, ensuring each person feels valued and supported, no matter their unique journey.”
Statistics show that patient-centered care leads to better outcomes and higher satisfaction rates. It’s clear that this collaborative model not only prioritizes safety but also fosters meaningful connections between patients and their caregivers.
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Midwifery, Baby, Blood, Children, Heart, Hospital, Labor, Medicine, Pregnancy, Prenatal
