Midwifery and Women’s Primary Care
Vanderbilt Midwives provide personalized care for women from reproduction through menopause. Our teams, led by experienced certified nurse midwives, offer services similar to those provided by OB-GYNs, including well woman exams, Pap smears and prenatal care. However, the holistic approach to care is the defining characteristic in these nurse-led practices.
Midwives view and treat pregnancy and childbirth as normal, natural processes and use less technology and interventions such as electronic fetal monitoring, artificial rupture of the membranes and cesarean section. Of course, if medical conditions or problems arise, midwives will engage a higher level of care and use of technology.
Our midwives see patients in three clinic locations and deliver babies at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt Birth Center.
Conditions We Treat
Meet Your Care Team
Heather A. SevcikCNM, MSN
- Certified Nurse Midwifery , General Obstetrics, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy
Joanne S. TennysonCNM, APRN, MSN
- Certified Nurse Midwifery , General Obstetrics, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy
Why Choose Midwifery and Women’s Primary Care at Vanderbilt
- Experienced specialists
Our certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who have also earned a master of science degree in nursing and a specialty in midwifery. With deep experience in midwifery, they deliver outstanding care to women at every stage of life.
- Team approach
Many women often see certified nurse-midwives for routine gynecological and primary care, in addition to obstetrics care. When a symptom or diagnosis requires specialized treatment, we work closely with Vanderbilt Health physicians to manage your care. This includes going to high-risk pregnancy appointments with you to ensure that you understand everything and, if needed, to help make decisions.
- Personalized care
From birth planning and supportive labor care to managing the changes that occur as you approach menopause, midwives spend a lot of time with you. They listen to your concerns; explain options; provide childbirth, lactation and breastfeeding education; and, when needed, they’re known to be wonderful hand-holders.
- Proven outcomes
When it comes to delivering your baby, safety is the top concern. Our certified nurse midwives and women’s primary care nurse practitioners have a proven record of keeping moms and their babies safe for more than 24 years.
Tests, Treatments and Services
- Breastfeeding education
- Doulas
- Family planning
- Genetic counseling
- Genetic evaluation