Kelsey Schultz, of Libertyville, chose to work with Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Donna Warder, along with her OB/GYN physician team when preparing for the birth of her first child at Highland Park Hospital last December.

As a first-timer, 32-year-old Schultz wanted to labor naturally without an epidural. Her baby boy, Lee, was born at a healthy 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and Schultz’s birth plan went smoothly.

“This was absolutely the right fit for me,” said Schultz. “I had a calm, supportive natural birth, even though I was one week past my due date, and didn’t feel worried at all. Donna was there for me through the entire labor and birthing process.”

Once Lee was delivered, Schultz was able to hold him immediately, choosing to delay his first bath for 24 hours—another example of individualized care options available for parents of newborns.

“This was as good an experience as you can have birthing a child. Donna coached me through it, and I felt a real connection with her,” said Schultz. Certified nurse-midwives provide labor support for women who need it and specialize in low-risk pregnancies for women who desire a lower intervention approach to birth. Outside of pregnancy, they also provide postpartum care, lactation support, and contraception advice in addition to providing wellness care and problem visits for women from adolescence through menopause.

You can reach our CNM teams at the following locations:

• NorthShore Highland Park Hospital: 847.941.7600
• NorthShore Evanston Hospital: 847.933.1773 or 847.583.1000 
• Swedish Hospital: 773.878.7787
• Northwest Community Hospital: 847.618.1000