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Specialties

Midwifery

Certified nurse-midwives are nurse practitioners with training and education in obstetrics as well as women's health. Our nurse-midwives focus on relationships, individual attention, and your choices. 

If you're pregnant, they can prescribe medicine, order labs, and generally provide the same level of pregnancy care as obstetricians in normal pregnancies. When the baby's ready, you'll deliver in the hospital, where obstetricians are always available in the event of an emergency.

In addition to pregnancy and birth care, certified nurse-midwives help with women's annual exams, contraception, wellness management, menopausal counseling and treatment, and treatment for minor to moderate illnesses and health concerns. 

Highlights & Resources

Providers

  • Teresa L. Blair, CNM

    Obstetrics and Gynecology

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Hannah Cronbaugh, CNM

    Hannah M. Cronbaugh, CNM

    Obstetrics and Gynecology

    Biography

    Hannah Cronbaugh, MSN, CNM has specific interests in preventive care, birth control options, physiological birth, maternal mental health, and empowering women to be active participants in their own care and health goals.

    Hannah grew up in Washington. She earned her bachelor's degree from Northwest Nazarene University, and her master’s degree at University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus. Her personal interests include hiking, camping, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Erin M. Felt, CNM

    Obstetrics and Gynecology

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Melissa D. Merrill, CNM

    Midwifery

    Biography

    Melissa Merrill, CNM, WHNP is a certified nurse midwife and a women's health nurse practitioner. She provides comprehensive prenatal care and performs low-risk vaginal deliveries at St. Luke's Magic Valley, along with newborn care and lactation support.

    Melissa earned a bachelor's degree from Idaho State University and a graduate degree as a certified nurse midwife from the University of Cincinnati, where she also earned a master's degree in nursing.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Helene F. Reusser, CNM

    Midwifery

    Biography

    Helene Reusser, MSN, CNM has professional interests in physiologic birth and the care of menopausal women. She believes in evidence-based care, and that women have options in birthing and support in labor. Helene delivers babies at St. Luke's Meridian.

    Helene says of her practice philosophy that, "Women have a right to respectful, individualized care in a supportive environment. Our job as nurse-midwives is to provide that care while educating our patients so they can make informed choices. As a CNM, I strive to give women the birth they want, whether that is low-tech and non-interventive or supporting women who desire epidural anesthesia."

    Helene earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Boise State University, her bachelor's degree in nursing from Seattle University, and her master’s degree in nurse midwifery from the University of Utah. After graduate school she moved to Rexburg, Idaho, and practiced as a nurse-midwife in conjunction with a physician. After years of attending births and caring for women in eastern Idaho, she moved to Boise to work as a nurse-midwife at St. Luke's.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Kristina D. Rhodes, CNM

    Midwifery

    Biography

    Kristi Rhodes, CNM provides care to women from adolescence beyond menopause, including preconception care, contraception, and well-woman care. Consistent with midwifery practice, she focuses on individualized care and optimal health, and views pregnancy and birth as a normal physiological process. She recognizes that many factors influence each women’s unique childbirth experience, including fears and beliefs. She’s an advocate for shared decision-making, informed choices, and self-determination.

    In her relationships with expectant mothers, Kristi is watchful for complications and offers physical, social, and emotional support, but also trusts in each women’s ability to have a normal, healthy, positive pregnancy and birth. She encourages you to move freely, to follow your body, and to labor and push in positions that feel right to you.

    As a midwife, Kristi works in collaboration with physicians, and there are times during a woman’s pregnancy and birth when her care may overlap with a doctor. Kristi works closely with Dr. Glen Lovelace, and consults with him when appropriate. She delivers babies at St. Luke's Boise.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Tamara M. Rolan, CNM

    Midwifery

    Biography

    Tamara Rolan, MSN, CNM provides care throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and general well-woman services. She has special interests and expertise in labor support, teen pregnancy, and women's health. Tamara delivers babies at St. Luke's Meridian. She feels it's a privilege and an honor to care for women and their families. Tamara says, "I truly believe in the midwifery model of being 'with woman': Every woman has the right to make informed choices and be supported in their pregnancy and well woman care."

    Tamara gained experience as a volunteer doula. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her bachelor's degree in nursing from Winston-Salem State University. She completed her midwifery training at Frontier Nursing University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Kathy Watkins, CNM

    Midwifery

    Biography

    Kathy Watkins-Brecheen, CNM is a certified nurse-midwife with certifications as a first assistant at cesarean section, ultrasound, and water birth. She is also interested in substance abuse disorders during pregnancy. She delivers babies at St. Luke's Meridian.

    Kathy earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Saskatchewan, and her master's degree in nursing with a midwifery specialty from the University of Utah. She also took a nursing leadership fellowship at Duke University. She is on the American College of Nurse Midwives Ultrasound Education Task Force and is liaison to the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

Classes & Events

  • Intuitive Birth: Boise

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    Next Date & Time
    Tuesday, Nov 29, 2022 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
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    $60.00, Registration Required

    Prepare your body and mind for the incredible experience of childbirth and parenting.

  • Banco de Leche Materna: Ketchum

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    Free, No Registration Required

    Los bebés en unidades de cuidados intensivos dependen de este alimento que les salva la vida cuando su propia leche materna no está disponible.

  • Birthing Natures Way: Meridian

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    Next Date & Time
    Wednesday, Sep 07, 2022 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
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    $60.00, Registration Required

    Using a combination of techniques, this class will help you and your partner experience childbirth without pain medication.<br />

  • Breastfeeding Plan for Success: Boise

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    Next Date & Time
    Wednesday, Jul 13, 2022 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
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    $10.00, Registration Required

    Prepare physically and emotionally for breastfeeding.

Take Care, Someone Needs You.

You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.

Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.

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