Women's Health

Midwife Joins New OB/GYN Practice

Susan Wente, CNM, Dr.Ph, has joined the new Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial (SHGM) Obstetrics and Gynecology practice of Drs. Melissa Bayne, Tami Michele and James Patenge. The new office is located on the second floor of the hospital, 212 S. Sullivan, Fremont, MI. The office officially opened for patients on September 20.

With more than 4 million births each year, it’s easy for women to feel lost in the crowd. Midwifery care is on the rise as more women seek the personal care they provide. Traditionally, the word “midwife” describes a woman who is “with women” during birth. Today women of all ages are choosing a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) as a licensed, professional health care provider for their gynecologic care including annual exams, pap tests, family planning, and prescriptions.

Certified nurse midwives work collaboratively with physicians and have a philosophy that focuses on the specific needs of women, empowers women to actively participate in their health through education and prevention, and minimizes unnecessary interventions. Research shows that women with low-risk pregnancies, who use midwives, are more likely to have the safe, healthy birth they want for themselves and their babies and are less likely to undergo induction of labor, cesarean section or episiotomy.

Susan Wente, CNM, DrPH, has been a midwife for 34 years and delivered more than 2500 babies. The majority of her midwifery career was spent at Baylor College of Medicine in

Houston, Texas. Susan grew up in Fremont and is the daughter of Robert and Mary Magee. Leaving the Texas heat and coming home to practice in Fremont – where she was born – had been a lifelong dream, and Susan is happy to now be caring for the women in her community.

“I understand that each woman has unique healthcare needs requiring individual attention and support,” says Susan, “and I believe that all women should be surrounded with joy, trust, and compassion when giving birth.” Although many women choose to have a natural birth with a midwife, Susan also provides pain medication, such as an epidural, when necessary. “Midwives view their relationships with patients as a partnership, and listening to the woman allows me to gain insight into their desires when planning their birth,” explains Susan.

“CNMs are highly educated midwives that can respond to most complications in labor and delivery. They work closely with obstetricians to ensure that emergency or high risk care is provided in the case of major complications,” states Dr. Tami Michele, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial OB/GYN. “The emphasis on patient education – with appropriate use of medical interventions – leads to high quality outcomes for mothers and babies.”

Susan is welcoming new patients and can be contacted at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology. Call 231.924.1212 for an appointment. Most insurance plans are accepted.