By Kelly Kennedy
A new midwifery practice opened in 2023 in Hampton, offering personalized obstetrical care. Sentara Midwifery Specialists is the first midwifery practice for the health system, expanding access for expecting families across Hampton Roads.
Sentara Healthcare identified a need for midwives as a safe and holistic option for uncomplicated pregnancies in Hampton Roads, and to fill that need, Sentara Midwifery Specialists was born. Five state-licensed Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) are now accepting new obstetrical patients. The team offers full-spectrum pregnancy care, which includes pre-natal, birthing and post-natal care. Patients will deliver at Sentara Careplex Hospital.
“Sentara CarePlex Hospital and Sentara Medical Group are proud to bring a full-scope midwifery practice to the Hampton Roads community,” says Stephen Payne, regional director of business operations at Sentara Medical Group. “It aligns with Sentara’s values of excellent patient experience, quality and safety. Sentara Midwifery Specialists provides an individualized birthing experience by fostering a strong relationship with every patient and midwife, and our community deserves to have the birthing experience of its choice.”
A midwife is a trained and certified health professional who helps expecting parents throughout the pregnancy and birthing experience. Midwives focus on providing holistic care, patient education and emotional support, practicing with a preference for low-medical interventions when possible. Midwives also provide annual exams and birth control/family planning for their obstetric patients.
“We are very excited to be able to practice midwifery and OB/GYN care in the Hampton community and at Sentara CarePlex Hospital,” says Beth Uzzle, RN, MSN, CNM, Certified Nurse-Midwife at Sentara Midwifery Specialists. “We are going to take every family’s personal desires into account, so our patients will have a successful, satisfying and peaceful birth and healthcare experience.”
According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, midwifery is linked to fewer pre-term births and infant deaths; fewer Cesarean section births; fewer interventions during labor, such as episiotomies and inductions; and higher breastfeeding rates.
Sentara Midwifery Specialists accepts most insurance, including Medicaid. In the event a mother and/or baby needs elevated care beyond the scope of Sentara Midwifery Specialists, OB/GYN Associates of Hampton’s (OGAH) physicians will be their collaborative partners to continue a patient’s care at Sentara CarePlex Hospital.
TO THE POINT:
Sentara Midwifery Specialists, Sentara Medical Group
Address: 3000 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 757-736-1000
Contacts: Beth Uzzle, RN, MSN, CNM, Certified Nurse-Midwife; Stephen Payne, regional director, business operations, Sentara Medical Group
