Meet our Certified Nurse Midwives
Education. Guidance. Advocacy. Expertise. Through pregnancy and beyond. Our midwives do more.
Katherine Hughes, CNM, WHNP, is a certified nurse-midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee and her master’s degree in nursing from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Katie Steele, CNM, is a board-certified nurse-midwife. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Hope College in Holland, Michigan and her master’s degree in nursing/nurse-midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in Versailles, Kentucky. Katie is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Creating lifelong relationships
Cara VanderJagt, CNM, is a board-certified nurse-midwife. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan and her master’s degree in nursing, certified nurse-midwife from Frontier Nursing University in Versailles, Kentucky. Cara is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses and the American Association of Birth Centers.
Confidence in your decisions
At Corewell Health, all our Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) are registered nurses (RN) with advanced degrees in women’s health and midwifery. From family planning to prenatal care to that special moment when you bring your baby home, our CNMs are here for you when you want a personalized, hands-on approach to your care. Our CNMs strive to be your trusted partner, with longer appointment times to understand your unique needs and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
Morgan's story
"My goal was to have a more natural approach to my care and to my delivery. I wanted that intimate experience, and I felt that I would get that with a midwife."
- Morgan Rademacher, midwife patient
Frequently asked questions
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are certified in advanced practice nursing and midwifery. They are certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives and licensed by the State of Michigan as both nurses and midwives.
Spectrum Health’s midwifery program is hospital-based, and the only one of its kind in West Michigan. We offer private labor and delivery suites for all our patients. For those interested in a home-like atmosphere, we have a select number of high-touch, low-intervention birthing suites at Butterworth Hospital Family Birthplace with a queen bed, sleeper sofa and soft lighting. These suites are available to reserve by your provider on a first-come, first-served basis.
Throughout your pregnancy, our physicians are available for consultation and collaboration with our CNMs as needed. Having this collaborative model allows for a seamless transfer of care if you should require additional medical or surgical care. During labor and delivery, there is always an on-call physician available at the hospital should intervention be required.
Certified Nurse Midwives offer a low intervention approach to labor management, including deep breathing, massage, hot and cold therapy, hydrotherapy and movement. A full array of pain relief options are always available, including epidural anesthesia.
Most major health insurance companies and Medicaid cover midwifery services, but patients should always check with their insurance provider for coverage specifics.
Our midwives provide care during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, as well as gynecologic, family planning and preconception care.
Find a Certified Nurse Midwife
Our experienced midwives are ready to serve you, right on the Lakeshore.