The Banner Health Clinic in Greeley has added a new nurse-midwife to its team to expand midwifery services in Weld County.
Samantha Zimmer, the newest board-certified nurse-midwife, joined the Greeley practice specializing in obstetrics and gynecology in January 2024 to work alongside Kathryn Smith, according to a Banner Health news release. Smith became the first certified nurse-midwife to join the Greeley Banner Health Clinic, at 2001 70th Ave. Suite 300, in 2022.
Zimmer graduated from the University of Utah Nursing School in Salt Lake City with a doctorate in nursing practice, specializing as a midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner, the release said. In 2023, she received certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board and the National Certification Corporation.
She brings her interest in evaluating and treating early stages of infertility to the Greeley clinic.
“Sam is an amazing new midwife who just joined me at the beginning of this year,” Smith said. “Together, we aim to provide a holistic, patient-centered approach by partnering with women and their families throughout their pregnancy, delivery and postpartum journeys.”
Greeley nurse-midwives specialize in caring for lower-risk women seeking a standard vaginal delivery while incorporating non-pharmacological interventions such as hydrotherapy, massage and aromatherapy, the release said. Midwives offer prenatal, labor and postpartum services.
“We take a nursing-centered approach,” Smith said. “We come from a very, very heavy nursing background where we have worked at the bedside providing hands-on patient care. Because of this, we put high value on spending as much time with patients as possible.”
In addition to non-pharmacological approaches, the midwives also offer standard pain management options during delivery if needed or preferred by the patient.
In the case of a cesarean section, known as a C-section, or other complications, a 24/7 team of OB-GYN physicians at North Colorado Medical Center can assist with patient care, according to Banner Health. If a newborn requires further assistance, they can receive care from medical teams within the Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at NCMC.
Banner Health hopes to bring more nurse-midwives to its practice to offer more coverage to the community.
“So, with more midwives, there is a higher likelihood it will be one of us doing the deliveries, which is a major reason why many women see us,” Smith said. “We are on call specifically for our patients, so when our patients go into labor and are admitted into the hospital, we are contacted directly.”
In addition, nurse-midwives provide well-woman exams, contraceptive management and gynecology for women in all stages of life, from the teenage years through menopause.
For more information about the clinic’s services or to make an appointment, call (970) 810-6353.
“We strive to provide continuity of care and develop professional relationships with patients who intend to deliver at North Colorado Medical Center,” Smith said.
