We’re celebrating National Midwifery Week (October 4-10). Midwifery has been part of Neighborhood Health Center for over 30 years. We were fortunate to welcome several midwives in the past year, and wanted to share a glimpse into their experience.

Cecilia Rogovin, RN, MSN, CNM

Cecilia joined Neighborhood in February.

"I have always been very passionate about empowering women to be in control of their own care," says Cecilia. "I think a collaborative conversation between the patient and the provider can consistently achieve better outcomes, and with every patient appointment I have, I strive to provide thorough education so our OB/GYN patients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their care."

The word “midwife” literally means "with women." Midwives approach pregnancy and birth from a holistic lens and view pregnancy and birth as a natural process, while also being trained to identify abnormalities and emergencies–using medical intervention when necessary and collaborating with physician, nurse practitioner and physician assistant colleagues. Midwives understand the importance of recognizing all parts of an individual in order to provide the highest quality care.

"I love how midwifery allows me to make connections with my patients during some of the hardest times of their life. The trust we build is invaluable and I have seen the beautiful outcomes of these lasting relationships."

"I have had so many meaningful experiences since coming to Neighborhood Health Center: Every time I get the honor of standing with a woman on the edge of the known and the unknown and helping to guide her through that threshold is so surreal. Any time my patients leave feeling listened to, respected, and held, I know I've done my job."

Leah Benack, RN, MSN, CNM

Leah Benack worked as a nurse at Neighborhood for several years before pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing Midwifery through Frontier Nursing University. “The incredible OB-GYN providers here at Neighborhood inspired me to become a midwife,” she says.

“The mission of midwifery is to promote safe physiologic birth,” Leah shares. “I chose this field because I wanted to provide excellent care to women and provide them with the opportunity to have the birth experience they want and deserve,” she says, and notes that midwives can also see patients who are not pregnant for their regular GYN care.

“I have been really enjoying getting to know my new patients and developing relationships with them. In my previous role as a labor and delivery nurse, I did not have the autonomy to offer birthing choices or the opportunity to connect with my patients throughout their pregnancies.”

We’re so glad you’re here, Leah! And, happy Midwifery Week to all of our midwives!