Editor’s note: This article was provided by Mary Washington Healthcare, a corporate sponsor of the Fredericksburg Free Press. As part of its continued partnership with MWHC, the Free Press will publish monthly public health awareness content on topics such as wellness, preventative care and the latest advancements in healthcare.
Mary Washington Healthcare launched its Midwifery Program in July 2024, marking a significant milestone in women’s healthcare in the region. As the first program of its size locally, it offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to care from menstruation through menopause—and especially during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Voted the best birth support program in the 2025 FredParents’ Family Favorites contest, the program is already making a meaningful impact on families across the region.
A team of experts, close to home
The program began with four certified nurse midwives at the Mary Washington Primary Care, Obstetrics and Gynecology office in Stafford’s Embrey Mill. Three more joined the team at the Mary Washington Obstetrics and Gynecology office in Spotsylvania County, near the Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.
All seven midwives hold master’s degrees and are licensed as advanced practice registered nurses—certified nurse midwives (CNMs). Three of the midwives are also certified nurse practitioners, expanding the scope of care they can provide. Their expertise spans the full spectrum of women’s health, from adolescence to menopause. Whether you are seeking routine wellness care, contraceptive counseling, or support during pregnancy, these midwives are trained to meet your needs with compassion and clinical excellence.
Midwifery services at Mary Washington Healthcare are covered by health insurance and include both inpatient and outpatient care. Patients can schedule prenatal visits at either Stafford or Spotsylvania locations, ensuring convenient access to care.
When it is time to give birth, certified nurse midwives are available 24/7 at Stafford Hospital. They provide expert care for low-risk pregnancies and are trained to support a wide range of birth preferences—from natural childbirth to those requiring epidural pain relief. If complications arise during labor, the midwives work closely with the hospital’s obstetricians to ensure the safest outcomes for both mother and baby. Stafford Hospital is also partnered with Children’s National to provide advanced neonatology care in its Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
What sets this program apart is its commitment to personalized, holistic care. Midwives focus on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of each patient, offering support that goes beyond clinical treatment. This approach is especially evident during labor and delivery. Unlike past generations, today’s birthing individuals are not confined to hospital beds. Instead, they are encouraged to move freely and find positions that bring comfort and relief.
“We’ve had babies in the shower, we’ve had babies on the floor, we’ve had babies standing, we’ve had babies in the bed, and we’ve had babies while mothers are on their hands and knees,” say the midwives.
This is known as physiological birth—a natural process where the body leads, and the care team supports. Tools like birthing balls, warm water, and movement are often used to ease discomfort and promote progress. Whether a patient chooses a natural birth or opts for pain management, the midwives are there to honor and support that decision.
The midwifery program is not just for pregnancy. It offers a full range of women’s health services, including: well-woman exams and screenings; pre-conception counseling; contraceptive care; menopause management; and gynecological care for various conditions
This continuity of care ensures that patients can build lasting relationships with their providers, receiving support through every stage of life.
Why choose Mary Washington Healthcare’s midwifery program?
- First of its kind in the region: A pioneering model for comprehensive midwifery care.
- Expert team: Seven certified nurse midwives with advanced degrees and diverse specialties.
- Holistic philosophy: Care that addresses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
- Flexible birth options: Support for natural childbirth, epidurals, and everything in between.
- Seamless collaboration: Access to obstetricians and neonatologists when needed.
- Convenient locations: Offices in Stafford and Spotsylvania for easy access to care.
At Mary Washington Healthcare, your birth story is yours to write. Whether you envision a quiet, natural birth or one supported by modern pain relief, our midwives are here to guide and support you every step of the way. With a focus on empowerment, education, and compassionate care, the Midwifery Program is helping families across the region experience childbirth—and women’s healthcare—as it should be; safe, supported, and centered on you.
For more information about the MWHC Midwifery Program, locations, and to meet the midwives, click here.
