Midwifery Care
The University of Kansas Health System is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. As part of this commitment, we offer everything from advanced academic medicine to midwifery care in Kansas City. From natural births to primary care services, our certified nurse midwives deliver down-to-earth care focused on your needs.
We are proud to be an international leader in women’s health and patient safety. When you choose The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City for midwifery services, you are choosing the safest place for women’s healthcare.
We offer a variety of appointment types. Learn more or call 913-588-1227 to schedule now.
A personalized experience
Midwifery is ideal for women who want a more natural approach to childbirth, as well as an intimate patient/provider experience. Our certified nurse midwives empower you to have the birth of your choice while supporting you physically and emotionally.
Because we are part of an academic medical center, our certified nurse midwives are supported by a team of board-certified obstetric physicians. This means you have immediate access to several qualified doctors in the event of an emergency.
Midwifery services
We offer comprehensive midwifery care for women in the Kansas City area, including:
- Postpartum care
- Prenatal care/labor and delivery
- Primary care
- Women’s health services
For a complete list of midwifery services available, please visit our midwifery FAQ page.
Desired birth experience
"Pregnancy is a huge thing to go through,” said Kara Armato, who gave birth with the support of a certified midwife. "If you know what you want your birth experience to look like, and you want someone there to support you in every possible way, midwives will be your biggest advocates.”
Why choose us
Our hospital is an international leader in patient safety, and one of the safest places in North America to deliver your baby. Our cesarean delivery rate is 32.5% less than the national average, and we are proud to report nearly 0 birth injuries. Learn more about how we’re making labor and delivery safer for mom and baby.
As a patient, you’ll have access to a network of specialty providers at The University of Kansas Health System. This is an important connection that allows you to receive prompt medical attention from an expert should you need more specialized care.
Our nurse midwives have achieved the highest level of training and education. As certified nurse midwives (CNM), they have completed nursing school and worked in a hospital setting, as well as earned a degree in nurse midwifery and trained in pregnancy and childbirth. Our CNMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and recognized as part of the medical community.
The Women’s Health Specialties clinic is an integrated practice, meaning we offer both midwifery and physician-led care. By offering both services under one roof, you and your midwife have direct access to a clinical provider who can consult and collaborate on your healthcare if needed.
Continuing your care
Our certified nurse midwives are trained to care for women before, during and after childbirth. Because they have been trained in both clinical nursing and midwifery, they are able to provide many of the same services you would expect from a primary care doctor, but with the patient-led approach you’d expect from a midwife.
Your certified nurse midwife can provide the following:
Postpartum care
- Breastfeeding guidance and support
- Emotional support through your transition to parenting
- Physical assessment of healing after birth
- Referrals for additional community resources as needed
- Screening for postpartum mood disorders
Women’s health
- Breast exams
- Contraception management
- Counseling for abnormal pap smears
- Family planning
- Fertility counseling
- STD testing
- Well-woman exams
Primary care
- Immunizations
- Physicals
- Prescriptions
- Urinary tract infection testing and treatment
Our midwives
Emrie Beach, APRN, MSN, CNM
Emrie is passionate about all facets of women's health. Her interest started when she was introduced to midwifery in high school during her yearlong capstone project that focused on the different spaces for birth. Following that, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University and worked as a cardiac nurse for a short time before transitioning to labor and delivery. She then obtained her Master of Science in Nursing-Midwifery from the University of Cincinnati. After graduation she worked as a midwife in a free-standing birth center in Denver where she honed her skills for low-risk physiologic birth. Emrie's goal is to provide individualized care and to see each woman for the unique person that they are while providing holistic and inclusive care. She specializes in pregnancy, well woman care and birth control.
Catherine Creswell, APRN, MSN, CNM
Kate is a certified nurse midwife dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their health. Kate earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing-Midwifery from George Washington University. She provides holistic care ranging from preconception and prenatal counseling to well woman exams and comprehensive contraception management, including implant insertions and removals. Kate's philosophy centers on patient education and empowerment, and she guides patients to achieve their unique birth goals, whether they choose an epidural or prefer an unmedicated birth. With expertise in unmedicated birth within the hospital, Kate brings a comforting, out-of-hospital feel to the delivery room. In her free time, Kate enjoys chasing her toddler and goldendoodle, delving into books and finding balance in hot yoga.
Erin Martin, APRN, MSN, CNM
Erin is a certified nurse midwife specializing in care for patients during pregnancy and beyond. She earned her master's degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and her bachelor's degrees in nursing and biology from St. Louis University and Rockhurst University, respectively. Erin provides full-scope midwifery care. Although she became a midwife due to her interest and respect for the pregnancy and birth processes, she also is passionate about assisting individuals of all backgrounds with other needs ranging from contraception counseling, well woman exams and beyond. When she's not midwifing, you can find Erin visiting the family farm in Oklahoma, attending exercise classes, baking her famous chocolate chip cookies or spending time with her 2 Italian greyhounds and cat.