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About

What is your practice philosophy?
From the first prenatal visit to labor and delivery, I involve women as partners in their care by providing them with information and discussing all decisions with them. I try always to meet women where they are, listen to their concerns, and respect those concerns. 

How do you help couples navigate pregnancy and labor together?
I like to involve my clients’ partners in the entire birth process, and so I encourage couples to take childbirth classes, read books, and come to the prenatal visits together. Pregnancy and labor are both part of the process of becoming parents, and I believe it is important for both partners to be involved. During labor, if a partner is sitting in the chair off to the corner, I'll make suggestions of things they can do for the mother. If I notice that mom is holding her back, for instance, I suggest that her partner can apply some pressure to that area.

How do you help women with breastfeeding?
As a certified lactation consultant, I enjoy educating women about what to expect from breastfeeding, and helping them with latching and feeding issues. I appreciate that Swedish Hospital puts an emphasis on keeping moms and babies together immediately after birth by encouraging skin-to-skin contact. That really promotes a healthy start to breastfeeding. Many parents also find it helpful to attend the breastfeeding class here at Swedish Hospital. 

What do you see as special about Swedish?
We have an incredibly supportive nursing staff. They’re comfortable with the fact that we don’t routinely order IVs, that women eat and drink during labor, and that they’re out of bed, moving around. There’s much less intervention in the labor process.  In so many hospitals, the epidural rate is around 95%; here, about one third of the moms have an epidural. 

I also really enjoy that we have such a diverse patient population in our practice here at Swedish Hospital. In fact, the surrounding neighborhood is one of the most diverse in the entire country.

How did you decide to become a midwife?
I have always had an interest in women’s health, and I discovered midwifery the summer after college while working at a clinic for migrant workers. I worked with largely underserved Spanish-speaking women in the clinic. This helped me become fluent in Spanish, and helped me discover a passion for caring for women during pregnancy. However, I also saw double standards in healthcare for those who didn’t have private insurance. That experience gave me a strong commitment to providing quality care for women who are disenfranchised.

Insurance Accepted

Learn more about insurance coverage verification and Endeavor Health Medical Group’s accepted insurance plans. Learn more about insurance coverage verification and Endeavor Health Medical Group’s accepted insurance plans.

Locations

Galter Medical Pavilion
5140 N. California Ave., Suite 605
Chicago, IL 60625

PH: 773-989-6200

FAX: 773-989-6201

Monday: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.