Best Midwives in St. Louis

Introduction to Midwifery in St. Louis

Definition and scope of midwifery

Midwifery is a healthcare profession that focuses on providing care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In St. Louis, midwives play a significant role in women's health, offering a range of services that extend beyond just childbirth.

Midwives in St. Louis provide comprehensive care that includes prenatal check-ups, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, and often, general women's health services. Their approach typically emphasizes personalized, holistic care that considers both the physical and emotional aspects of women's health.

The role of midwives in St. Louis

In St. Louis, there are different types of midwives practicing, including Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). CNMs, like Carolyn Mank and Shannon Waller Davis, have advanced nursing degrees and can provide a wide range of women's health services. CPMs, such as Jennifer Jester and Andria Webb, specialize specifically in pregnancy and childbirth care.

Midwives in St. Louis practice in various settings. Some, like Carolyn Mank, are affiliated with hospitals such as SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital-St. Louis. Others may work in birth centers, private practices, or offer home birth services. This diversity allows women to choose a midwife whose practice aligns with their preferences and needs.

Choosing a Midwife in St. Louis

Factors to consider

Credentials and certifications

• Importance of checking for CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) or CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) credentials
• Relevance of additional certifications or specializations

Experience and specializations

• Years of practice in midwifery
• Additional areas of expertise (e.g., Women's Health Nursing, Lactation Consulting)

Hospital affiliations

• Importance of hospital connections for potential complications
• Example: Carolyn Mank's affiliation with SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital-St. Louis

Patient reviews and ratings

• Significance of star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
• Importance of reading detailed patient reviews when available

Resources for finding midwives

Online directories

• Utilization of Healthgrades for comprehensive provider information
• Other reputable online healthcare provider databases

Recommendations from healthcare providers

• Seeking referrals from OB/GYNs or primary care physicians
• Importance of personal recommendations from trusted medical professionals

Local midwifery associations

• Contacting St. Louis area midwifery groups for information
• Attending local childbirth education classes to meet midwives

Top-Rated Midwives in St. Louis

Carolyn Mank, CNM

Background and Qualifications

• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
• Education: FRONTIER SCHOOL OF MIDWIFERY AND FAMILY NURSING, Barnes-Jewish College Of Nursing
• Additional specialties: Women's Health Nursing, Lactation Consulting

Practice Information

• Hospital affiliation: SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital-St. Louis
• Contact: (314) 977-7455
• Star rating: 3.7 out of 5 (based on 3 reviews)

Jennifer Konkol, BSW

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Specialization in midwifery

Rating Information

• Star rating: 3.7 out of 5 (based on 3 reviews)

Other Notable Midwives

Shannon Waller Davis, CNM

• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Additional specialty: Women's Health Nursing
• Contact: (314) 977-7455

Rebekah Hassler, CNM

• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Contact: (314) 898-1999

Jennifer Jester, CPM

• Certified Professional Midwife

Additional Considerations When Choosing a Midwife

Language and Communication

Availability of English-speaking midwives

• All listed midwives are proficient in English
• Importance of clear communication in healthcare

Consideration for non-English speakers

• Limited information on additional language capabilities
• Potential need for interpreter services

Gender Preferences

All-female midwife roster

• Noted preference for female practitioners in midwifery
• Comfort and cultural considerations

Accessibility and Location

Geographical distribution within St. Louis

• Importance of convenient location
• Consideration of travel time for appointments

Contact information availability

• Some midwives have listed phone numbers (e.g., Carolyn Mank: (314) 977-7455)
• Importance of easy communication channels

Specializations and Additional Services

Diverse expertise among midwives

• Some offer additional services (e.g., Carolyn Mank: Women's Health Nursing, Lactation Consulting)
• Consideration of specific health needs and preferences