See a midwife in Fremont

Our midwives do more.

Gerber Memorial hospital

Meet two of our Certified Nurse Midwives

Emily Thrower, CNM
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Emily Thrower, CNM, is a board-certified nurse-midwife. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and her master’s degree in nurse-midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky. Emily is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Gretchen Chase-Rey, CNM
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Gretchen Chase-Rey, CNM

Gretchen Chase-Rey, CNM

Gretchen Chase-Rey, CNM, is a board-certified nurse-midwife. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana and her master’s degree in nursing, nursing midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky. Gretchen is a member of the American College of Nurse Midwives and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Education. Guidance. Advocacy. Expertise. Through pregnancy and beyond. Our midwives do more. 

At Spectrum Health, all our Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) are registered nurses (RN) with advanced degrees in women’s health and midwifery. From family planning to prenatal care to that special moment when you bring your baby home, our CNMs are here for you when you want a personalized, hands-on approach to your care. Our CNMs strive to be your trusted partner, with longer appointment times to understand your unique needs and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.

Morgan's story

Frequently asked questions

Do midwives have formal medical training?
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Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are certified in advanced practice nursing and midwifery. They are certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives and licensed by the State of Michigan as both nurses and midwives.

Do midwives deliver at hospitals?
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Spectrum Health’s midwifery program is hospital-based, and the only one of its kind in West Michigan. We offer private labor and delivery suites for all our patients. For those interested in a home-like atmosphere, we have a select number of high-touch, low-intervention birthing suites at Butterworth Hospital Family Birthplace with a queen bed, sleeper sofa and soft lighting. These suites are available to reserve by your provider on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do I have to choose between a midwife and an OB-GYN?
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Throughout your pregnancy, our physicians are available for consultation and collaboration with our CNMs as needed. Having this collaborative model allows for a seamless transfer of care if you should require additional medical or surgical care. During labor and delivery, there is always an on-call physician available at the hospital should intervention be required.

Can midwives administer pain medications?
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Certified Nurse Midwives offer a low intervention approach to labor management, including deep breathing, massage, hot and cold therapy, hydrotherapy and movement. A full array of pain relief options are always available, including epidural anesthesia.

Is midwifery care covered by insurance?
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Most major health insurance companies and Medicaid cover midwifery services, but patients should always check with their insurance provider for coverage specifics.

Do midwives only provide birthing services?
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Our midwives provide care during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, as well as gynecologic, family planning and preconception care.

Find a Certified Nurse Midwife

Our experienced midwives are ready to serve you, right in Fremont.