Stephanie Finnie’s first childbirth was in a hospital setting. The care never felt substantial to her, and she felt like a number rather than an expectant mother.

When Finnie delivered her second child, in the hands of the University Nurse-Midwives clinic (UNM), her birthing plan was custom and included no medication, skin-to-skin delivery, husband’s guidance, and a late cord cut. This custom care made her delivery experience profoundly different. She delivered her other four children there as a result.

“I wanted to have more control over my birthing experience. So, I relocated to the midwifery clinic at UCH where I felt I could tailor the process to fit my needs,” said Finnie.

One of Finnie's children was delivered by a nurse-midwife she had never met at UNM. However, Finnie recalls how the UNM clinic is so synergized that when the nurse walked in the room it was as if she had been working with her all along.

“Delivering at UNM catered to how I feel comfortable—with my husband, low lighting, quiet atmosphere, and aromatherapy. It was relaxing, especially because two of my pregnancies had to be induced, and it allowed me to enjoy my delivery—which I was very nervous about, “expressed Finnie.

Her care continued at UNM because, as she puts it, “the nurse midwives are there to comfort and educate you, you’re not just another patient or statistic. There you are a mother.”

The care does not just stop at birth. “They have a post-partum clinic attached to the delivery unit, so it is not just taking care of your physical well-being, but also your mental well-being. They are truly there for the mother and the baby," said Finnie.

Finnie has since moved out of state. But the care made such an impact on her life, that she will be commuting over 2-hours to receive quality care from the UNM nurse midwives.