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Kyle Grudowski is a special baby. He weighed seven pounds and 10 ounces when he was born at Ascension St. Joseph in Milwaukee. When he yawns and stretches he makes everyone watching him smile and he is absolutely adored by his family.
Gretchen McCool, a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – St. Joseph Campus, thinks he’s pretty special too. Kyle is the first baby she delivered since the Ascension St. Joseph Midwifery practice opened last month. “The most meaningful aspect of midwifery care for me, is making a positive impact on someone’s life,“ explained Gretchen. “Of course, we see this most clearly when we are present at a birth, but there are so many moments where midwives empower women and seeing those unfold are what bring me joy.”
Why Choose a Midwife
Kyle’s mom, Tabia Grudowski, chose a certified nurse-midwife for her pregnancy care because of the focus on holistic healthcare and the compassionate and personalized attention she receives. “Everybody is so amazing at Ascension St. Joseph; the whole birthing experience was just incredible,” Tabia explained. “Everyone was so nice and Gretchen is just the best. I felt confident putting my trust in her and her entire team.
Ascension St. Joseph Midwifery
Ascension Wisconsin is expanding women’s health choices with the addition of full-scope nurse- midwifery services at Ascension St. Joseph. The nurse-midwifery office is located on the Ascension St. Joseph campus at 5000 W. Chambers Street, with in-hospital certified nurse-midwife services provided by CNMs and clinical support staff.
“My interest in midwifery began as a fascination with the newness of life, it has evolved into a passion for empowering women during all phases of their lives,” Gretchen shared.
She explained that midwives partner with women throughout pregnancy by educating, supporting and empowering them throughout their journey. A midwife delivery focuses on compassionate, personalized care from a holistic perspective, utilizing intervention and technology when necessary.
Compassionate, Personalized Care
The nurse-midwives work closely with expecting families and the healthcare team to develop birth plans. Together they create a unique, meaningful experience, with a goal of supporting women during pregnancy and labor within a safe and caring environment.
Gretchen said she treasures the relationships she develops with her patients and Tabia confirms the feeling is mutual. “Greta is my star; I don’t know where’d I’d be without her,” she added.
CNMs are licensed, independent healthcare providers for women across the lifespan. While they have a specialized focus on pregnancy, childbirth and gynecologic and reproductive health, CNMs also provide primary healthcare for women.
An additional CNM, Shannon Santoli, will begin seeing patients at Ascension St. Joseph in mid-December.
To schedule an appointment at Ascension St. Joseph Midwifery, call 414-874-4700.
Come and meet the new providers and learn more about midwifery at an open house at the new Ascension St. Joseph Midwifery clinic, 5000 W. Chambers Street in Milwaukee, on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
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