Where are midwives in Chicago hospitals?

Birth Centers Illinois — Certified nurse midwife Danielle Kraessig meets with patient Yakini Branch at the PCC South Family Health Center Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, in Berwyn, Ill. The clinic may receive a permit to operate the first birth center in Illinois as soon as Feb. 5, 2013. Midwives and other supporters of birth alternatives for Illinois women with low-risk pregnancies have been working for years to provide such centers, which are already available in 37 other states.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

Where are Chicago’s midwives?

Midwives can play a role in preventing maternal deaths and expanding care, but Chicago hospitals aren’t investing in them.

Certified nurse midwife Danielle Kraessig meets with patient Yakini Branch at the PCC South Family Health Center Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, in Berwyn, Ill. The clinic may receive a permit to operate the first birth center in Illinois as soon as Feb. 5, 2013. Midwives and other supporters of birth alternatives for Illinois women with low-risk pregnancies have been working for years to provide such centers, which are already available in 37 other states.

M. Spencer Green

By Micah Yason

Research shows that having access to a midwife could decrease maternal mortality rates and bring improved health outcomes for pregnant people and their newborns. But, their numbers in Chicago hospitals are low.

Reset explores why there is a lack of investment in midwifery programs in Chicago and what needs to be done to better integrate their work into standard maternity care.

GUESTS: Kristen Schorsch, WBEZ health and county government reporter

Annette Payot, director of midwifery, PCC Community Wellness Center