Nurse-midwives provide care for women of all ages

Cassie Caedo, DNP, CNM and Brittany Freeman, DNP, CNM

When you hear the word “midwife,” many people immediately think of childbirth, and that’s understandable. However, midwives can see patients in an office setting for many different reasons as well as deliver babies in the hospital. In fact, the word midwife comes from Old English and literally means “with women.” It is a role with deep historical roots and perfectly captures the essence of our work, which is to provide compassionate and comprehensive care alongside women throughout their lives.

Certified Nurse-Midwives are advanced practice nurses with either master’s or doctoral-level education and specialized training in women’s health. Our advanced licenses and certifications allow us to prescribe medications, diagnose conditions and provide care in a clinic and the hospital. As Certified Nurse-Midwives at Bothwell Regional Health Center, we work together with physicians, nurses, therapists and other professionals to ensure patients receive the highest-quality care tailored to their needs.

While birth is one of the most celebrated aspects of midwifery, our care spans every stage of a woman’s lifespan. We provide care for girls experiencing their first period, help young women decide on a birth control method that best fits their lifestyle, assist couples trying to conceive and provide guidance for women experiencing mental, emotional and physical symptoms that can occur throughout the menopause cycle. 

We also address conditions like heavy periods and chronic pain, prescribing individualized medications or therapies and referring to our physician partners when procedures or surgeries are necessary. Preventive care, including Pap smears, breast exams, mammograms and lab testing, is a cornerstone of what we offer for women of all ages.

For our pregnant patients, we provide care from the first few faint lines of a positive pregnancy test through birth, where we work with families to provide a meaningful and empowering birth experience. We help educate patients on proper nutrition and healthy habits in pregnancy and review lab work and ultrasounds to ensure a healthy beginning for each baby. New moms-to-be also learn how to care for their mental health and prepare for their new addition.

During the final weeks before baby’s due date, we educate patients on ways to manage pain during labor and what to expect during birth. We try to make every birth experience special and work with nurses to provide safe, hands-on care. After birth, we can provide breastfeeding support and educate families on the postpartum healing process.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to our community. We value patients and families of all backgrounds, and we advocate for each individual and collaborate to create personalized care plans. Our goal is to improve your health and empower you to make informed decisions throughout your life.

Cassie Caedo is a Certified Nurse-Midwife with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice who provides comprehensive women’s health care including family planning, pregnancy and postpartum care. She joined Bothwell in 2024 and values building inclusive relationships with patients and creating a safe environment where they feel empowered in their health care journey.

Brittany Freeman joined the Bothwell team in 2022 and is a Certified Nurse-Midwife with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice who offers full-spectrum care to women including prenatal and postpartum care. She is passionate about patient education and helping women feel heard, understood and confident in their care.

Cassie and Brittany see patients at Bothwell OB/GYN Associates. To make an appointment, call the clinic at 660.827.0015 or Centralized Scheduling at 660.829.8888.