Choosing who will guide your care is an important decision. For many women, midwifery offers a more personal, supportive approach to health and pregnancy.
At Adena Health, Shelley Davenport, certified nurse midwife, has more than 15 years of experience helping women feel confident and cared for. In this blog, she shares what to know about midwifery care — from pregnancy and birth to wellness through every stage of life.
What midwives do
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice providers who care for women throughout their lives. While many people think of midwifery only in connection with pregnancy and birth, it includes much more. Midwives also provide:
Annual well-woman exams
Birth control and family planning
Support during perimenopause and menopause
Preventive care and health education
“Midwifery is about meeting women where they are in life,” explains Davenport. “It’s about listening, supporting, and empowering women to make the decisions that feel right for them.”
Birth plans and pain relief
Midwives support many options for labor and delivery, whether you hope for a natural birth or prefer pain relief such as an epidural. They can walk you through comfort measures like massage, aromatherapy, guided imagery, and birthing balls to find what works for you.
And if plans change? Adena’s Labor and Delivery unit is always staffed with both a midwife and an OB/GYN. If a C-section becomes necessary, your midwife continues to support your care before, during, and after surgery.
Support for high-risk pregnancies
Some women wonder if they can still see a midwife if they’re considered high-risk. The answer is yes. Adena’s midwives work closely with OB/GYNs, Ohio State Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists, and other providers to ensure safe, coordinated care.
Care beyond pregnancy
You don’t have to be pregnant to see a midwife. Adena’s team provides care for women from adolescence through menopause, including annual check-ups, contraception, and overall wellness.
“The most rewarding part of my work is helping women feel confident in their care,” says Davenport. “Sometimes that’s through a birth experience they’ve always hoped for — other times it’s being there for routine visits and lifelong health needs.”
Is midwifery right for you?
Midwifery care may be a good fit if you:
Want a more natural approach to pregnancy and birth.
Prefer personalized visits.
Want a trusted guide who can care for you through every stage of life.
Seek an environment that is inclusive and respectful of your background, identity, and preferences.
Midwives are here to walk beside you, whether you’re preparing for your first baby or simply scheduling your next annual exam. With compassion and expertise, they help women feel supported throughout their lives. Schedule an appointment today by calling 740-779-7201, or visit Adena.org/Women.
Meet our expert: Shelley Davenport, CNM
Shelley Davenport is a certified nurse midwife at Adena Health, bringing over 15 years of experience in labor and delivery to her role. Since joining Adena in 2017, she’s been dedicated to providing compassionate care for women, from pregnancy and childbirth to annual exams and beyond.