Meet Midwife, Kendra Smith with Covenant Health’s Cumberland Women’s Healthcare

Great care starts with feeling seen and supported. At Covenant Health’s Cumberland Women’s Healthcare, Kendra Smith, CNM, APN is a calm presence and steady guide for patients. 

Supporting Women Through Every Stage of Life 

Kendra’s path to midwifery began with her own birth experience. “Being cared for by a midwife showed me what true patient-centered care looks like,” she says. “That left a lasting impact on me and sparked a desire to provide that same level of compassionate care to others.” 

Inspired by her own experience, Kendra now provides obstetric and gynecologic care across the lifespan. She supports prenatal visits, labor and delivery, postpartum care and routine gynecological care. Her clinical interests include prenatal education, physiological birth, contraception, perimenopause, menopause and sexual health. What drives her most is the connection. 

“What I love the most is watching women go through one of the most transformative times in their lives,” she says. “I love the relationships I have formed along the way.” 

Kendra works alongside Andrew Szaflarski MD, a board-certified OB-GYN. Together, they provide comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. Since joining Covenant Health in 2023, Kendra has delivered over 200 babies. Each one reinforces her passion for supporting families. 

Empowering Patients Through Personalized Care 

Her approach during labor and delivery is to meet each patient where they are. “My goal is always to create a calm, supportive environment where people feel safe informed and in control of their choices.” Some patients want hands-on support. Others want a quiet presence. Kendra adapts to each need. “Education is essential to my approach. I always try to advocate for their preferences and help ensure their voice is heard.” 

That commitment continues throughout pregnancy. “Being informed comes from being part of the conversation, not just receiving information.” She makes space for questions and encourages shared decision making. “Most importantly I try to make sure they know they always have a voice in their own care.” 

The Full Scope of Midwifery at Cumberland 

Kendra wants people to understand the full scope of midwifery. “Midwives can care for women in all stages of life, from the first period through menopause.” She supports low-risk and high-risk pregnancies, natural births, inductions, epidurals and participates in cesarean deliveries.  

When asked what makes delivering at Cumberland Medical Center special, she answered without hesitation. “Hands down the amazing staff. You won’t find a team like this anywhere else.” She values strong teamwork with physicians, pediatricians and nurses. “The relationships I have with my team have always been ones of respect and collaboration.” 

Outside of work she enjoys what she calls her “granny hobbies” like gardening, sewing, knitting and embroidery. 

Exceptional Maternity and Women’s Care 

Cumberland Medical Center is proud to hold the Upper Cumberland Region’s only Gold Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital certification. This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to best practices in infant safe sleep and the highest standards of care for newborns. 

Cumberland is also designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ in Maternity Care by Blue Cross Blue Shield, a mark of quality and safety for mothers and babies. 

Nearly 800 babies are born each year in our private 12 bed maternity suites. With more than a century of combined medical experience, our expert team is ready to partner with you and provide education, guidance and compassionate care. 

Start your journey with a provider who listens, supports, and advocates for you. Book an appointment with Kendra Smith, CNM, APN, at Cumberland Women’s Healthcare or find another Covenant Health provider near you.