New Midwives
Are on the Way

For 29 years, the staff of the Birthing Center at Gifford Medical Center has provided families with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment in which to labor and birth their babies. The loving care and support of each and every family that we serve has been a true collaboration—midwives, obstetricians, general practitioners, pediatricians, and nurses working together with families.

As concerned and dedicated members of the nursing staff, we first want to apologize for the inconvenience, stress, and fear that surround the departure of three valued members of the team.

Secondly, we would like to assure you that Tanya Waters, CNM (who has been a partner in the midwifery practice since September 2005) has clearly indicated her commitment to Gifford and to continuing to provide individualized, family-centered care to the clients of the midwifery service. Alexandra "Kipp" Bovey, CNM, who joined us recently, has begun the rigorous process of credentialing and orientation and will begin accepting patients as early as August.

An announcement concerning the hire of a third CNM is expected within the next few days and candidates for the remaining position are being interviewed.

Finally, we the members of the Nursing Staff make the following assurances to you:

• We are not going anywhere!

• We will continue to provide safe, quality care to all of our clients.

• We maintain our commitment to providing the supportive, compassionate, individualized care that has long been a hallmark of Gifford.

• It is our belief that pregnancy, labor, and birth are natural and normal events in the life of a woman and her family.

Bonnie L. Hervieux-Woodbury, RNC, CLC

Nurse Manager, Birthing Center

And the Nursing Staff of the Gifford Birthing Center