In keeping with scientific evidence that honors the unmistakable importance of human connection, Novant Health WomanCare in Winston-Salem helps provide community and camaraderie to mothers-to-be via their Supportive Pregnancy Care program
“The most unique aspect of Novant Health WomanCare is that we’re the only Novant Health clinic in the Triad that has midwifery-led prenatal and labor/birth care,” shares Autumn Wendler, CNM. “We’ll also be the first clinic in the Triad region to offer group prenatal care. This is a unique, evidence-based offering that will help improve outcomes for our interested patients.”
Supportive Pregnancy Care is a model of obstetric care that emphasizes education and the human experience of pregnancy. Focusing on patient empowerment through knowledge taking an active role in your healthcare, pregnant patients are assigned to a group based on due dates.
“They are scheduled for group appointments where they meet with our doula and participate in a class that covers topics related to their current point in pregnancy,” Autumn explains. “They also meet one on one with a midwife who addresses the more individualized aspects of their care including monitoring vital signs, assessing their baby and completing an American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommended prenatal screening.”
The Supportive Pregnancy Care program is midwifery-led, where patients who opt for this model of care will see a midwife as their healthcare provider in pregnancy. It does not mean “high risk” patients will be ineligible for this particular care plan, but patients will be screened for appropriateness at their initial obstetric appointment. For more advanced medical concerns, midwives will work in collaboration with Novant Health WomanCare physicians to ensure all medical conditions are addressed appropriately.
Within this model, the certified nurse midwife is the healthcare provider, while the doula is the perinatal educator – think patient advocate – and always open to the patient’s questions and concerns.
“Midwives are masters educated nurses who specialized and became board-certified in midwifery care,” Autumn explains. “It’s frequently said you don’t simply choose to become a midwife, you are called to it. I opted to have a certified nurse midwife as my own care provider for my first (and second) pregnancy and birth, and she empowered me to make decisions for myself and my baby. I knew I wanted to be that kind of provider for others. In addition to receiving training on the importance of holding space for our patient’s emotional experience, midwives are taught how to identify, monitor and manage the medical parts of the perinatal experience. It’s both a science and an art, and I believe this is part of what makes midwives so special.”
“Group prenatal care gives families the chance to not only see their provider, but also to connect with other parents who are at the same stage of pregnancy – with time for education, conversation and support,” shares Becky Hale, certified doula with Novant Health WomanCare. “Research shows this model helps parents feel more confident and prepared. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to combine great medical care with community and connection. A doula is there purely for emotional, physical and informational support – the steady presence offering comfort, guidance and advocacy through pregnancy and postpartum. I always say the two roles – midwife and doula – complement each other beautifully.”
“Our team approach ensures every family’s needs are met, whether it’s routine, low-risk support or more complex medical care, at the same time keeping compassion and patient-centered care at the forefront,” adds Becky.
She adds that what inspires her most about being part of such an important moment in a family’s life is the privilege of witnessing strength, love and transformation in real time.
“Pregnancy and birth is a life changing experience. I never take for granted the trust families place in me. With 18 years as a certified doula in this community, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside hundreds of families,” shares Becky.
The providers at Novant Health WomanCare in Winston-Salem have built a clinic with all the resources necessary to deliver the care you need, offering complete gynecologic, obstetric, midwifery and nutrition therapy care in one convenient location. If expanding your family is in your plans, rely on them for comprehensive prenatal care, where you choose the level of care right for you.
The clinic, which is home to the Supportive Pregnancy Care program, is located at 114 Charlois Boulevard in Winston-Salem, NC, 336-765-5470. The clinic also has locations in Clemmons and Kernersville. Clinic hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. Visit NovantHealth.org/WomanCareWS for more information.
