So, What is a Midwife Anyway?

Pomerene Marketing • June 8, 2020

So, What is a Midwife Anyway?

What exactly does a Midwife do?

Many people think Midwives only delivery babies… but that isn’t true! Midwives are important members of the women’s health team and can care for female’s puberty through menopause. The word midwife means: “With Woman”. A midwife is someone who walks with women through their reproductive life from puberty through menopause. A few examples of the types of care midwives can give: prenatal care, births, yearly well woman exams, breast exams, pap smears, counseling/education on natural family planning or contraception/birth control, guidance/care for those going through change of life/menopause. They can also treat urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, breast infections and much more!

What do you like most about being a Midwife?

I love caring for women and their families, guiding them through some of the most important and intimate decisions/moments of their lives. It is both an honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity care for our ladies and their families.

What do you like best about being a Midwife at Pomerene?

I enjoy caring for members of the local community. I like that our patients have high quality care in a homelike, quiet environment. Our midwives & staff are well versed in natural childbirth as many patients desire this, but we have epidural anesthesia available should a patient want one. We can provide very low intervention care as well as high tech care with multiple interventions if situations necessitate. The diversity of care is challenging, exciting & rewarding. I simply enjoy what I do and the population we care for.

I have worked at Pomerene since 1998. I enjoy working here and can truly say Pomerene is a huge part of my life beyond work. I met my husband in the Emergency Dept while working one night (He’s a firefighter/paramedic), got engaged at work and 3 of my 4 children were born here at Pomerene as well. As a member of the local community for the last 20+ years, Holmes county is my home and I desire to continue caring for those who live here. It is such a neat opportunity to run into patients in the community and be able to share “hello’s” and updates on how they have been since I have seen them last. We have such a great hospital in our community and it’s a privilege to be a part of it. Our small community hospital provides top notch, five-star care.

Who is the Midwifery team?

The midwifery team consists of myself, Barbara Poole, CNM, Carrie Jividen, CNM & Donna Augustine, CNM. It also involves our collaborating physician – Dr. Ibrahim Sozen. He is available to our team, should we have questions/concerns that require a higher level of care. We also work collaboratively with Dr. Jenna Frakowski and other obstetrical providers.

How do you work together with other Women’s Health providers and nurses?

All of the midwives work well together to provide excellent care for our women. We use written, verbal or in person communication between each other to ensure that the best of care is provided. The lines of communication are always open. Suggestions/Ideas are always welcome and we “bounce” ideas/perspective/information off each other frequently. There is a trust among all of us which is very strong and an essential piece of our practice.

What are some bits of advice to relieve pregnancy nausea?

Eat small frequent meals throughout the day, stay away from fried/greasy foods, stick with simple/bland foods. Don’t let yourself get hungry as this can often lead to bouts of nausea/vomiting. Try to eat a snack with protein before going to bed (cottage cheese, cheese/crackers, apple & peanut butter etc.) as this will “stick with you” more through the night and will have you less likely to feel nauseated upon rising in the morning. Keep lemon-lime soda & saltine/soda crackers (important… not butter/ritz type crackers!!!) close by and nibble on those/sip the soda when you first get up in the AM and before rising out of bed. Lastly, if the nausea is causing trouble with your daily activities contact your midwife as there are over the counter & prescription medications/supplements which can help lessen the symptoms.

What are some ways to relieve back pain during pregnancy?

My favorite go to for back pain in pregnancy is to prevent it!! During pregnancy your body goes through many changes, even how you stand and your center of balance changes. Start early in your pregnancy wearing good supportive shoes, bending at the knees vs. waist to maintain good body mechanics/posture when bending/lifting. Keep your weight balanced on both feet, stand straight and don’t slouch. Establish a routine of getting off your feet at least ½ hour each afternoon with your feet elevated. This will allow your back & legs time to rest, allowing you to return to your work with improved energy/stamina. Heating pads or hot water bottles applied to the sore areas can also be comforting, but watch that they aren’t too hot! Lastly, there a wonderful maternity support belts available should the above suggestions not improve it adequately. Just ask your midwife how to get one.

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Pomerene Receives Federal Funding to Advance Local Care

October 1, 2026

Community hospitals play an important role in the places they serve. They care for neighbors, provide jobs, support local families, and make it possible for people to get many of the healthcare services they need right here in their own community. At Pomerene, that responsibility also means looking for opportunities to bring new resources into Holmes County. Pomerene Hospital has been selected to receive federal funding through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program, a program created to support healthcare services in rural communities. Supporting Rural Healthcare Rural hospitals face challenges that larger health systems may experience differently. Recruiting and keeping healthcare workers can be difficult. Costs continue to rise. Hospitals must also serve people who may live many miles from the care they need. At the same time, these hospitals are an important part of everyday life in their communities. They provide care when someone is sick or injured, help people manage their health, and connect patients with additional care when it is needed. The Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program helps hospitals continue that work. In 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded nearly $25 million to 132 hospitals across 13 states through the program. For Pomerene, receiving this funding means bringing additional resources into Holmes County and putting them to work for the people who live here. “We are always looking for ways to bring resources back to our community and use them where they can make the greatest difference,” said Anne Gunther, CEO of Pomerene Hospital. “We are grateful for this support and for the opportunity to put these funds to work for the people we serve.”

Dr. Stjernholm Joins Pomerene Surgical Services Full Time

September 29, 2026

Pomerene Hospital is expanding its general surgery services with Dr. Rick Stjernholm joining Pomerene Surgical Services full-time alongside Dr. Michael T. Schell. Dr. Stjernholm is already a familiar face at Pomerene. Now, as a full-time member of Pomerene Surgical Services, he and Dr. Schell will provide surgical care for a wide range of conditions and needs. For patients, that means greater access to general surgery through a team they can turn to for procedures ranging from hernia repair and gallbladder removal to colon and breast surgery. General Surgery for a Wide Range of Needs General surgery covers many different procedures. Some are planned after a condition has been diagnosed by your primary care provider. Others may be needed following a visit to the emergency room. Dr. Stjernholm and Dr. Schell provide services including, but not limited to: Breast biopsies and surgery Minimally invasive surgery for: Abdominal wall hernias Bilateral inguinal hernias Colon resections Colostomies Small bowel resections Biopsies Gallbladder surgery Appendectomies Your surgeon will review your condition, talk with you about your options and explain what to expect if surgery is recommended. Minimally Invasive Options When Appropriate Some surgeries can be performed using laparoscopic or other minimally invasive techniques. These procedures use smaller incisions and specialized surgical instruments. At Pomerene, minimally invasive techniques may be an option for abdominal wall hernias and other procedures when appropriate. Dr. Stjernholm or Dr. Schell will recommend the surgical approach that makes sense for your condition and individual needs. Getting the Right Care Starts With a Referral If you have a condition that may require surgery, the first step is usually talking with your primary care provider. Patients may also be referred to Pomerene Surgical Services following a visit to the emergency room. Once you are referred, Dr. Stjernholm or Dr. Schell can evaluate your condition, explain your treatment options and help you understand what comes next. With Dr. Stjernholm joining the practice full time, Pomerene is expanding the general surgery services available to the community while keeping the process personal and straightforward. If you think you may need surgical care, talk with your primary care provider about a referral to Pomerene Surgical Services.

Pomerene Hospital Receives Three American Heart Association Awards

August 6, 2026

MILLERSBURG, Ohio — Pomerene Hospital has received three additional 2026 American Heart Association awards recognizing its commitment to evidence-based stroke care and coordinated heart attack care. Pomerene received the following recognitions: Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Silver Plus Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Silver 2026 Mission: Lifeline® Systems of Care Regional Award These three recognitions are in addition to the two 2026 American Heart Association awards for heart attack care Pomerene announced last month. “These recognitions show the strength of the systems our team and local EMS partners have built for stroke and cardiac care,” said Anne Gunther, CEO of Pomerene Hospital. “They reflect the training, communication and daily follow-through required to meet nationally recognized standards. For our community, it means proven care begins close to home.” The Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Silver Plus and Rural Stroke Silver awards recognize Pomerene’s work to follow research-based treatment guidelines designed to improve care and outcomes for patients experiencing a stroke. The recognition also highlights the important role hospitals such as Pomerene play in providing timely stroke care in rural areas. Pomerene was also recognized as one of seven participating hospitals in the Ohio Statewide Mission: Lifeline regional system. The Mission: Lifeline® Systems of Care Regional Award recognizes collaboration among hospitals, 911 emergency medical services, transportation agencies and other healthcare partners working together to improve care for patients experiencing heart attacks. Pomerene Hospital is an independent, private, not-for-profit hospital. Pomerene employs more than 325 employees and maintains a medical staff of more than 80 physicians. For more information, call 330-674-1015.

Pomerene Hospital Receives Two American Heart Association Awards for Heart Attack Care

By Cassel Bear • July 7, 2026

MILLERSBURG, Ohio — Pomerene Hospital has received two 2026 American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® awards for heart attack care. The awards recognize Pomerene’s work to follow evidence-based guidelines for patients experiencing STEMI heart attacks. A STEMI is a serious type of heart attack that happens when blood flow is blocked to part of the heart. Fast recognition, treatment and coordination of care can make a major difference for patients. Pomerene received the Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Gold Plus award for its role in caring for STEMI patients who may need to be transferred for a higher level of cardiac care. The hospital also received the Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold award, which recognizes the unique role rural hospitals play in providing timely local care. “These awards reflect the work of many people across our hospital as well our local EMS partners,” said Anne Gunther, CEO of Pomerene Hospital. “When someone is having a heart attack, every minute matters. Pomerene Hospital is proud to serve the local community with care that is close to home, coordinated and focused on the needs of each patient.” Heart attack symptoms can include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain in the arm, back, neck or jaw, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness or unusual fatigue. Symptoms can look different from person to person. Anyone who thinks they may be having a heart attack should call 911 right away.