When Midori Gingerich found out she was pregnant with her fourth child, it felt like she was a first time mom again. Midori was going to need a new care provider and deliver at a different hospital from her previous three kids, all in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It left Midori feeling anxious of what was to come.
Midori had delivered her first three children at Washington County Hospital and Clinics. However, when the OB unit closed in 2018, she knew she would have to choose a different route for prenatal care.
“When I found out the UIHC Nurse Midwives (NMWs) were establishing a clinic at WCHC, I was so excited,” says Midori. “I knew I wanted to continue my prenatal care at WCHC and the NMW program was my first choice.”
There were many benefits of receiving care at WCHC for Midori. It was close to home, had convenient parking, and the facility was easy to navigate. She was able to get in and out of her appointments with ease. Since there was no guarantee who would deliver Midori’s baby when the time came, she was glad to meet many of the providers in person.
“From the first appointment, I felt I was taken care of, ” says Midori. “All the Midwives gave me quality time at our appointments and truly listened to my desires for pregnancy and birthing. They all cared for my needs and made me feel safe and comfortable.”