A Team Approach to Support Moms with Bonding, Healing and Empowerment

At UF Health St. Johns, you don’t just get one provider, you get a team. Our certified nurse-midwives collaborate closely with OB/GYNs to deliver personalized, low-intervention care, backed by the full support of medical expertise as needed.

A Closer Look at Midwifery at UF Health St. Johns

Midwives provide individualized, evidence-based care that spans from preconception to postpartum recovery. Their services include:

• Prenatal care and education
• Labor and delivery support
• Breastfeeding guidance
• Postpartum care

This holistic approach empowers mothers to make informed decisions and feel supported throughout their birthing journey.

What Makes Midwives’ Support Unique

Midwives offer continuous emotional and physical support during labor, often staying with mothers throughout the process. Their care is rooted in:

• Empathy and presence: They listen deeply and validate emotions
• Low-intervention techniques: Aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, birthing balls and music are used to create a calming environment
• Education and empowerment: Mothers are guided to trust their bodies and instincts

Not every mom bonds with her baby right away, and that’s okay! Exhaustion, hormonal shifts or postpartum depression can make it harder. Midwives are trained to recognize these emotional challenges. They work closely with physicians, mental health professionals and social workers to ensure moms receive the follow-up care and resources they need to heal and connect.

When OB/GYNs Step In

If your pregnancy becomes high-risk or complications arise, OB/GYNs are ready to step in. This collaborative model ensures you receive the right care at the right time, without sacrificing the personal touch.

“Our midwives and OB/GYNs collaborate seamlessly to support each mother’s unique birth journey. It’s not about choosing one or the other, it’s about building a team around you,” says Sharon Mills, BSN, RN, C-EFM, director of maternal child labor and delivery at UF Health St. Johns. “Midwives bring a special kind of touch to maternity care. Their calming presence and emotional support help mothers feel seen, heard and empowered. Together with our physicians, they create a circle of care that surrounds every mom with strength, safety and compassion.”

Hospital Resources for Bonding and Recovery

UF Health Flagler Hospital offers:

• Soothing postpartum suites featuring soft lighting, rocking chairs, sleeper sofas and refrigerators for a homelike atmosphere that encourages rest and bonding
• Rooming-in to promote skin-to-skin contact
• Lactation consultants available right after birth
• Postpartum recovery education

Support That Continues After Birth

Whether preparing for birth or adjusting to life with a newborn, compassionate care is always within reach. At UF Health Flagler Hospital, moms are supported by a dedicated team of midwives and OB/GYNs working together to create the best possible birthing experience.