Midwifery at Covenant Health: Personalized Care for Every Birth Journey
- 3 minute read.
- Last Updated: 1/29/2026
At Covenant Health, every birth journey is unique—and so is every mother’s care.
Giving birth is more than a medical event; it is a deeply personal journey to parenthood. From the first flutter to the final push, expectant mothers deserve compassionate care that supports their well-being and honors their wishes. That’s why we offer midwifery as part of our comprehensive women’s health services at Covenant Health.
What is Midwife?
A certified nurse midwife is a licensed healthcare professional with advanced training in women’s health and midwifery. Midwives specialize in caring for women through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum, as well as providing gynecologic and reproductive health services throughout life.
Midwives focus on personalized, evidence-based care that supports natural processes and empowers women to make informed choices about their health and birth experience. They are skilled in supporting women and recognizing when medical intervention is needed. Each of our midwives collaborates closely with obstetricians (OB-GYNs) to ensure the safest outcomes for mothers and babies.
“Midwifery is about meeting women where they are physically, emotionally, and culturally. We’re trained to support the whole person, not just the pregnancy,” says Deborah Brickner, CNM at Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists.
What Services Do Midwives Provide?
Our midwifery team provides a full range of services, including:
- Family planning and contraception counseling
- Prenatal care and education
- Labor and birth support, including natural pain management techniques
- Postpartum care, including newborn care and breastfeeding support
- Annual exams and routine screenings
- Menopause care and women’s wellness services
Midwifery vs. Doctor-Led Care
While both midwives and OB-GYNs are both dedicated to women’s health, their approaches each have different strengths. The chart below demonstrates some key differences to help you select the care that’s right for you:
| Midwives | OB-GYNs |
| Focus on low-risk pregnancies and natural birth experiences | Specialize in both low- and high-risk pregnancies |
| Emphasize personalized, holistic, and family-centered care | Provide medical and surgical expertise, including cesarean deliveries |
| Typically spend more time on education, support, and shared decision-making | Provide comprehensive care with access to advanced medical procedures |
| Collaborate with OB-GYNs when complications arise | Often take the lead in high-risk or medically complex situations |
At Covenant Health, our midwives and physicians work side by side to ensure every mother and baby receives the highest level of safety, comfort, and compassion throughout every step of care.
“One of the things I appreciate most about working at Covenant is the teamwork. It’s a supportive environment where everyone works together and focuses on what’s best for the patient,” says Deborah Brickner, CNM at Fort Sanders Women’s Specialists.
Covenant Health: Your Partner in Pregnancy
Whether you’re seeking a natural birth experience or a medically managed delivery, Covenant Health is here to support you with expert care and compassion for a happy, healthy delivery.
Our collaborative care model means you’ll have access to comprehensive resources, advanced technology, and compassionate experts every step of the way. Schedule an appointment to establish care today.
About the Author
Covenant Health
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Covenant Health is a not-for-profit, community-owned, healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers.
