Highpoint Health - Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas Introduces Midwifery Care, Expands Women's Health Services

GALLATIN, TN – September 18, 2026 - 

Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas is expanding its women’s health services with the introduction of in-hospital midwifery care, enhancing the compassionate, personalized care already provided by its OB/GYN team. This addition offers patients additional choice while strengthening a collaborative, team-based approach to care across both obstetric and gynecologic needs.

The addition of a certified nurse midwife expands access to care not only for pregnancy and childbirth, but also for routine gynecologic care, preventive services and ongoing wellness support for women at every stage of life.

“This integrated care model we have developed ensures seamless collaboration between midwives and physicians and our nursing team, giving patients confidence that additional expertise and advanced care are always available when needed. We are also making sure patients’ expectations are met at every step along the way,” said Jennifer Holder, Chief Nursing Officer for Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas.

“Hospital-based midwifery is something the community has asked for. It gives women a low-intervention, individualized, relationship-based care experience but with access to advanced medical resources, technology and emergency services if necessary,” Holder said.

 The tradition of midwifery care is centered on listening to patients, providing education, and supporting informed decision-making — values which are shared across the entire women’s health team. Patients benefit from this collaborative partnership that prioritizes their individual preferences, goals and overall well-being.

“This is about expanding options for our patients while building on the high-quality, personalized care our physicians already provide,” said Jamie Green, RN, director of Women’s Services at Highpoint Health Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas. “Midwifery strengthens our care team by offering a relationship-based approach that works alongside our OB/GYNs and nursing staff to support patients through every stage of life.”

For expectant mothers, particularly those with low-risk pregnancies, midwifery care offers a supportive, individualized experience throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum recovery.

Beyond pregnancy, midwives provide comprehensive gynecologic services, including annual exams, contraception counseling, menopause support, and management of common women’s health concerns.

“I was drawn to Highpoint Women’s Health because of its commitment to compassionate, patient-focused care,” MacDonald said. “Midwifery allows me to spend time getting to know patients, understanding their goals, and helping them feel confident and supported throughout their health journey.”

MacDonald emphasizes that midwifery care is grounded in both personalization and evidence-based practice.

“Whether I’m caring for someone during pregnancy or supporting their overall health, my goal is to ensure they feel heard, respected and informed,” she said. “Working alongside a skilled physician team means we can provide personalized care while ensuring access to advanced medical support whenever it’s needed.”

The addition of midwifery services and the addition of more women’s health providers reflect Highpoint Health Sumner’s continued commitment to expanding access to care that meets the diverse needs of women and families in the community.

For more information about women’s health services at Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas, visit HighpointHealthSystem.com/Womens-Health.