Midwife
Holistic and evidence-based care

Whether you’re pregnant or need well woman care, our Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) will take good care of you. 

Appointments: (507) 646-1478

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) realize your overall wellbeing is important and want to provide personalized holistic care with shared decision-making when your health concerns arise. They assist patients through pregnancy and birth, and provide well woman and gynecological care from onset of your first period to menopause.

We want to build a strong relationship with you and your family and provide evidence-based care with a focus on your unique needs. By providing the information, education and support needed, we can help you and your family make the best decisions regarding your health, pregnancy, labor and birth.

Midwives work in both clinic and hospital settings.

Why choose a Midwife?

The benefits of choosing a midwife for your pregnancy include:

  • A personalized, holistic approach to care
  • A more relaxed approach to pregnancy and childbirth than standard care
  • More one-on-one support during your labor and delivery
  • Longer appointment times
  • On-call should questions or concerns arise
  • Offer Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBACs)
  • Expertise in medication-free labor support tools
  • Access to a variety of pain medication options in labor if desired
  • Water birth
  • Low cesarean (c-section) and induction rates
  • Co-management or consutation with doctor when necessary
water birth suite
Expectant parents meeting with midwife

During pregnancy care and childbirth, your midwife will:

  • Support your birthing choices
  • Provide low intervention, holistic care
  • Empower you to make the choices you want for your birth
  • Provide education, support and resources
  • Offer natural alternatives for pain management
    • Labor in shower or tub, massage, aromatherapy, birthing balls, intermittent monitoring, different labor positions
  • Support your decisions regarding medication in labor
  • Welcome the use of doulas for labor support

Team Approach

Our entire team of midwives, doctors and advance practice providers work closely to provide you with the best care possible. Midwives work collaboratively with OBGYN doctors as needed for any complications that may arise during pregnancy or labor. 

Midwives can manage basic obstetrical emergencies but call for help in situations that require advanced training and surgery, such as D & Cs, cesarean sections, and repairs of 3rd & 4th degree lacerations.

The whole team's goal is to provide you with the best care throughout your pregnancy and delivery.

Pregnant woman and midwife
Well woman checkup

Well Woman Care Services

  • Offer routine gynecological care
  • Provide annual well woman exams, including pap smears
  • Provide family planning options and preconception counseling
  • Discuss pregnancy options
  • Handle:
    • Vaginal, bladder and urinary tract problems
    • Sexually-transmitted infectons
    • Breast concerns
  • Provide postpartum and mood disorder care
  • Conduct minimally-invasive, simple procedures
  • Discuss and initiate a variety of birth control options including but not limited to Oral Contraceptives, Nexplanon, IUDs, and Caya Diaphragm

Patient Testimonials

“I trust them so much with my care. They’re so caring and calming. I knew that if something went off my plan, I could trust them to know what to do, and to know what I want. They’ll apply interventions as needed when you want, and also let the natural process happen at the same time, as much as possible.” 

- Kate McGrogan

Midwife Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certified nurse midwife?

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) complete a four-year nursing degree followed by a Master's or doctoral degree in midwifery. Then they complete two to three years of advanced training in midwifery care. After graduation, they must pass a national certification exam to be certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives and begin practice as a CNM. They stay up-to-date on the latest advances to provide the best possible care. Many Certified Nurse Midwives started to their careers as labor and delivery, postpartum or nursery nurses before becoming a midwife.

Besides pregnancy care, midwives provide well woman care including routine gynecologic care for low-risk women.

They work in a clinic and hospital setting.

What is the midwife philosophy?

Midwives believe that pregnancy and birth are normal processes in a woman’s life. Our nurse midwives provide the information, education and support needed to empower women to make the best decisions regarding their health, pregnancy, labor and birth. They will work with you on wellness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle, all while supporting your emotional and physical well-being. 

Their goal is to educate and assist you in making decisions best for you and your family. They believe in evidence-based care, high touch and low intervention, and that not all modern interventions are necessary.

How does a nurse midwife differ from traditional birth experience?

A nurse midwife will:

  • have longer appointment times to get to know you and your wishes
  • provide patient and family-centered care
  • educate and empower you to make choices
  • participate in your labor experience
  • offer you natural comfort measures during labor
  • guide you on optimal positions during the birthing process
  • respect your delivery wishes
  • collaborate with our team of OB/Gyn doctors if complications occur

Can I get pain medication if needed?

Yes, you will have access to a variety of pain management and medication options including IV, nitrous oxide, and epidurals.

What if I need a doctor?

The midwives work collaboratively with OBGYN doctors as needed for any complications that may arise during pregnancy or labor to ensure optimum care for women and their babies. Midwives can manage basic obstetrical emergencies, but call for help in situations that require advanced training and surgery, such as D & Cs, cesarean sections, and repairs of 3rd & 4th degree lacerations. 

In addition, we have advanced practice providers, a maternal fetal medicine specialist for high-risk pregnancies, nutritionists and radiologists who can all help if a pregnancy becomes high-risk. The care amongst the team is seamless, and provides women with a full spectrum of care.

What is the best way to communicate with my provider?

The best way to reach your provider is by email through MyHealth Info. Log in or sign up for MyHealth Info. Learn more about MyHealth Info

Do the midwives offer home deliveries?

No. All of our deliveries take place in a hospital setting. 

What is a doula? Can I have a doula in my delivery?

A doula is a non-medical, trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth.

A doula is not a member of the Northfield Hospital + Clinic’s health care team. They are allowed in deliveries. If you have a c-section, you are allowed one person in the operating room so your doula may not be able to attend.

NH+C does not provide doulas. Using a doula is a personal choice and the doula is hired by and paid for by you.

Our Team of Doctors and Providers

bohren_jessica
Bohren, Jessica
APRN, CNM
Midwife
Brittany Cordes, APRN, CNM
Cordes, Brittany
APRN, CNM
Midwife
Janelle Dahl APRN, CNM
Dahl, Janelle
APRN, CNM
Midwife
Senja Ruuska
Ruuska, Senja
APRN, CNM
Midwife

Service Locations

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Farmington Clinic

4645 Knutsen Drive
Farmington, Minnesota 55024
Closed Now
Sun: Closed
Mon: 7:00 am-7:00 pm
Tue - Fri: 7:00 am-5:00 pm
Sat: Closed
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Lakeville Clinic

9974 214th St. West
Lakeville, Minnesota 55044
Closed Now
Sun: Closed
Mon - Tue: 7:45 am-7:30 pm
Wed - Fri: 7:45 am-5:00 pm
Sat: Closed
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Women’s Health Center

2000 North Avenue
Northfield, Minnesota 55057
Closed Now
Sun: Closed
Mon: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Tue: 8:00 am-7:00 pm
Wed - Fri: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Sat: Closed