UMMC Madison expands women’s care with new midwifery clinic

UMMC Madison expands women's care with new midwifery clinic

The University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is expanding its services with a new midwifery clinic at UMMC Madison. It is the first midwifery clinic to open off the main UMMC campus that offers care five days a week.

In August, Zeveunna Hackett and Jumon Walker of Yazoo City welcomed their second baby boy, Zavien. Zavien's older brother, Jumon Walker Jr. was delivered at UMMC last February, but this was Hackett's first pregnancy where a nurse-midwife was her primary partner in care. Nurse-midwife Kim Rickard cared for Hackett during her pregnancy and follow-up care.

"She made me feel comfortable and truly listened to my concerns, which put me at ease during my visit," said Hackett. "The care and attention I received made the whole experience positive and reassuring."

JamaeiBonner, who began seeing nurse-midwife Meredith Morris at the clinic just before giving birth to her daughter Kairo, said shefelt supported and assured.

"I knew thatI was in great hands," she said. "She was phenomenal. All ofthe staff that I have met at UMMC have been amazing and very supportiveand professional."

The Madison location is part of a five-year plan to integrate certified nurse-midwives into UMMC hospitals and clinics in the metro area and surrounding counties, with the goal of offering round-the-clock midwifery care by 2027.

The UMMC Madison clinic is the first to be staffed exclusively by certified nurse midwives, while maintaining collaborative relationships with departmental OB-GYN physicians for consultation, collaborative patient management and referrals when needed.

The clinic provides a full range of services, including prenatal and postpartum care, family planning and preconception counseling, as well as annual well-woman exams.

"The opening of the UMMC Madison Nurse-Midwifery Clinic marks a milestone in expanding access to evidence-based reproductive and gynecologic health care for families living north of Jackson," said Rickard, one of the certified nurse-midwives who work at UMMC Madison.

"As the first UMMC clinic site staffed exclusively by certified nurse-midwives, it reflects our commitment to improving maternal health through patient-centered care that supports healthy pregnancies and empowers shared decision-making. This clinic strengthens our connection to the community by ensuring access to trusted providers and vital resources."

Along with the Medical Center's other midwifery clinics at Grants Ferry and University Hospital, nurse-midwives will begin seeing patients at the UMMC Pavillion and EversCare Clinic at the Jackson Medical Mall soon.

"We are very excited to bring accessible, high-quality maternal care back to UMMC Madison," said Dodie McElmurray, CEO - University and Community Hospitals. "Expanding nurse-midwifery services to Canton is a critical step to meeting patients where they are to ensure that women across Mississippi have the supportthey need for healthy pregnancies."