What is a Midwife? Answers from two of our own

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who care for women throughout their lives — from their teenage years all the way through menopause and beyond. They don’t just provide prenatal care and deliver babies, but also offer annual checkups, birth control, menopause support and help with many other women’s health needs.

Here at Winona Health, we’re lucky to have two wonderful midwives: Katie Duerr, CNM, and Amber Reidt, CNM.

“Being a midwife means supporting women not just during pregnancy and birth, but every day when it comes to their health,” says Amber Reidt, CNM. “We do everything from annual exams and prescribing birth control to menopause care and more. The word midwife literally means ‘with woman,’ and that’s exactly what we are — a partner in women’s health through every stage of life.”

One of the biggest benefits? Women in the Winona area can see a midwife without the stress and time commitment of driving hours for their appointments.

“What really matters is taking the time to listen and build trust,” says Katie Duerr, CNM. “We want every patient to feel heard, to have their questions answered, and to feel confident in the decisions they make about their health and birth experience.”

So, what makes midwives different?

• Patient-centered care: Midwives work side-by-side with patients, respecting their preferences and values.
• Holistic approach: They look at the whole person — physical health, emotional well-being and social factors.
• Full-scope women’s health: From pap smears to prenatal care, all the way through post-menopause support.
• Collaborative care: Midwives work closely with providers, nurses and other caregivers to ensure safe, quality care.

Our midwives welcome babies right here in the hospital and offer personalized care at the Winona Clinic. Working alongside providers and nurses, they’re committed to giving safe, compassionate support for women through every chapter of their lives.

The Women’s Health Clinic is located on the third floor of the Winona Clinic at 855 Mankato Ave. in Winona. To schedule an appointment, call 507-457-7701. To learn more about Women’s Health at Winona Health, visit winonahealth.org/womens.

At Winona Health, we’re lucky to have two wonderful midwives: Katie Duerr, CNM, and Amber Reidt, CNM.