Childbirth Professional Day - Meet Melanie Kaufman

Melanie Kaufman, CNM, MSN

1. What is your Childbirth Profession?   

Nurse Midwife a.k.a. baby catcher J

2. Describe your profession and why someone would want to choose your profession for support in pregnancy and/or childbirth.

Throughout history midwives have always been with women during birth.  Nurse Midwives came to the United States in the 1920’s and have been providing not only care during pregnancy & birth, but through their lifetime. We are experts in normal birth and believe that pregnancy and childbirth are a healthy part of a woman’s life.  Midwives focus on the education and empowerment of our clients & their families and help guide them through their health care choices. We pride ourselves on low intervention, low c-section rates and high VBAC success rates.

3. Why did you get started in your profession?

I always wanted to work with women and birth. As a nursing student I learned about midwifery and I knew that was for me! It just made sense to me that women would be better served by a provider that is able to spend more one on one time with them both prenataly and during the labor, birth and postpartum. 

4. In detail, what is your personal childbirth philosophy?

I believe birth is a very powerful moment in our lives and that it is unique to each and every woman. I trust birth and think our bodies know perfectly well how to deliver our babies. My job at birth is support women and their family, offer guidance as they request it and to suggest intervention only when needed.  I respect a woman’s choice for a natural or medicated birth and understand that providing comfort has little to do with pain.

5. If you could tell all pregnant women in the world something, what would it be?

I would tell them to trust their bodies and to trust themselves in birth, in parenting and as a woman.

6. How long have you been in your profession? Are you certified? If yes, by who?

I have been a Nurse Midwife for 2 ½ years and I am certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and licensed in South Dakota.

7. Do you have a business name? How can people contact you for pregnancy and childbirth support?

Avera Medical Group, Certified Nurse Midwifery, and people can call our office to schedule an appointment or a free consult so we can talk and make sure it’s a good fit for you. 605-322-8946

8. Where do you practice?

I practice in Sioux Falls, SD at Avera McKennan with two other wonderful midwives!