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# Grow Midwives, LLC®

Scaling up and sustaining midwifery

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://growmidwives.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://growmidwives.com/blog/)
- [Fix U.S. Maternity Care: Join the Movement](https://growmidwives.com/fix-u-s-maternity-care-join-the-movement/) - Every week, the headlines deliver another gut-punch to American health care: rural hospitals shutting down labor and delivery units, midwifery practices forced to close their doors, rising maternal mortality rates, and a rapidly shrinking women’s health workforce. Amidst a worsening crisis and skyrocketing care costs, a single question haunts every parent, practitioner, and advocate: How
- [Midwifery Alert: NEW discussion to add 15 "G" Codes!](https://growmidwives.com/midwifery-alert-new-discussion-to-add-15-g-codes/) - When big policy shifts happen, it’s time for the midwifery community to speak out! This week on Episode 15 of the Possibilist Midwives Podcast Ginger and Denise dive deep into some concerning new updates shaking up the world of ob-gyn billing. ACOG recently shared details regarding CMS adding back 15 previously cut codes and creating
- [Midwives Advocacy CAN drive change! Want to know HOW?](https://growmidwives.com/midwives-advocacy-can-drive-change-want-to-know-how/) - Advocacy is the Pathway to Health Equity: Midwives are the Messengers In the #possibilistmidwives podcast Episode #13 Ginger and Denise welcomed state and federal advocacy guru, Ellen Breslin who holds a masters degree in public policy. Drawing from her vast expertise with the largest healthcare consulting firm in the nation, and centering her work in Massachusetts—tackling everything
- [Follow The Yellow Brick Road to the Great Oz:  Unionization of U.S. Midwives](https://growmidwives.com/follow-the-yellow-brick-road-to-the-great-oz-unionization-of-u-s-midwives/) - Multiple daily news articles describe healthcare professionals (direct healthcare workers) considering unions, some legally challenged by promoting unions, and/or on strike to advocate for work inequities. From nurses to residents, physicians and midwives nearly all direct healthcare workers within health systems and hospitals are all churning with uncertainty as this discussion grows by the day.
- [Navigating Storms Ahead: Barriers for Midwives causing concern across the U.S.](https://growmidwives.com/navigating-storms-ahead-barriers-for-midwives-causing-concern-across-the-u-s/) - It’s been a whirlwind of travel the past three weeks from DC to Boston to DC to Florida. Every event attended, whether related to midwifery or not, somehow circled to discussion about the maternal health crisis, midwives role improving outcomes, and barriers to providing full scope care. Today the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) released
- [Are you READY? Grow Midwives 4th Annual CME Event](https://growmidwives.com/are-you-ready-grow-midwives-4th-annual-cme-event/) - Registration will accommodate up to 500 attendee's.
- [Negotiate the Job Offer? Always!](https://growmidwives.com/negotiate-the-job-offer-always/) - It is a common misconception that employment contracts are static documents. As Isaac Booth, J.D., recently shared on our podcast: "If the employer was unwilling to negotiate, they would simply send you a contract, request you sign within five days, and tell you to show up on the commencement date. Take it or leave it."
- [Haiti, Health & Human Rights](https://growmidwives.com/haiti-health-human-rights/) - How Midwives working in Under Resourced Regions, Globally and in the U.S. can improve maternal/neonatal outcomes. This #possibilistmidwives 6th episode explores a free-standing birth center, Maison de Naissance, founded in Haiti 22 years ago by Dr. Betsy Wickstrom, MFM, Dr. Stan Schaffer, Neonatologist, and Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, who served as its first medical director.
- [Do you know about Grow Midwives free webinar resources?](https://growmidwives.com/do-you-know-about-grow-midwives-free-webinar-resources/) - For the past eight years, Grow Midwives has been building a comprehensive, free library of recorded webinars designed specifically for midwives and women’s health professionals. Each session is led by knowledgeable team members with real-world expertise in the topics that matter most to your career and business success. Inside this growing collection, you’ll find practical,
- [How to Open a Birth Center or New Midwife Practice: Identifying Community Needs](https://growmidwives.com/identifying-community-needs/) - By Lesley Rathbun So, you think you want to open a birth center or start a Midwifery service? Understanding the challenges and opportunities of developing either model by performing a Community Needs Assessment is essential to success. More than a decade ago, I attended the American Association of Birth Centers workshop on how to
- [Grow Midwives Webinar Follow-Up: Creating Your Dream Job as a Midwife](https://growmidwives.com/webinar-follow-dream-job/) - Join Ginger Breedlove and Lesley Rathbun for an in-depth look at the business side of midwifery. Together, they share experiences collected first hand during 70+ combined years operating successful midwifery businesses. From starting an independent freestanding birth center, to working in partnership with large hospital organizations, Ginger and Lesley have navigated business relationships in
- [Grow Midwives Webinar Follow-up: Transitioning From Hospital Midwife to Birth Center Midwife](https://growmidwives.com/grow-midwives-follow-up-transitioning-from-hospital-midwife-to-birth-center-midwife/) - Join Lesley Rathbun and Ginger Breedlove for a thorough discussion on the difficulties, benefits, and drawbacks of transitioning from being a Hospital Midwife to a Birth Center Midwife. Lesley and Ginger have been involved with many midwives before, during and after their move to a birth center - including their own. Making such an
- [Grow Midwives Webinar Follow-Up: Integrating Midwifery-Led Maternal Healthcare](https://growmidwives.com/grow-midwives-follow-up-integrating-midwifery-led-care/) - On April 12, 2018 Ginger Breedlove hosted a webinar that explored many of the tools available to midwives that can both help create a new practice or better an existing one. If you would like to consult with Ginger or any of the other Grow Midwives team, reach out on our contact us page.
- [How to Market a Birth Center or Midwifery Business Online in 2018](https://growmidwives.com/how-to-market-a-birth-center-online-in-2018/) - Running a successful midwifery business or birth center in 2018 is nearly impossible without a quality online presence. Consumers today are used to interacting with businesses when they want, where they want, on their own terms. That means potential clients are going to reach out online using phones, desktop computers, tablets, social media, business
- [Incident To Billing: Understanding the "Incident To" Provision of Medicare](https://growmidwives.com/incident-to-billing-understanding-the-incident-to-provision-of-medicare/) - Because you were "not aware" does not make you immune from consequences of fraudulent billing for services provided OR that you ask someone else to provide. Check out our webinar on Incident To Billing: Understanding the "Incident To" Provision of Medicare to learn about the new CMS "Incident To" billing changes! Download the Powerpoint below:
- [Grow Midwives Webinar Follow-Up: Conducting a Meaningful Community Assessment When Opening a Birth Center or Midwifery Service](https://growmidwives.com/followup-conducting-meaningful-community-assessment/) - In case you missed it, here is the video and transcription of the Webinar "Conducting a Meaningful Community Assessment" with Ginger Breedlove and Lesley Rathbun on Wednesday, December 20, 2018. If you haven't signed up already, make sure to join our newsletter to keep up to date with all future news and webinar announcements from
- [Grow Midwives Response to Freakonomics Radio Podcast Titled “Nurses to the Rescue” (11/15/17)](https://growmidwives.com/grow-midwives-response-freakonomics/) - By Ginger Breedlove After finishing the most recent Freakonomics podcast on Nurse Practitioners (NPs) filling the workforce shortage in primary health care, I was disheartened by the negative sentiment prevalent in the comments. If you haven’t heard the episode yet, you can listen to it here. As a nurse and Midwife with nearly 40 years
- [Grow Midwives Highlight KEY Professional Issues in Nov Newsletter](https://growmidwives.com/grow-midwives-highlight-key-professional-issues-in-nov-newsletter/) - Interested in Grow Midwives activities, resources, and key social posts over the last month? Our health consulting firm is celebrating 8 years since GM formed in November 2017. It’s hard to believe how much time has passed. Our team has worked with thousands of midwives, multiple practices seeking guidance to open or scale, ACNM Affiliates
- [Ginger Breedlove Selected to New APC Board of TDC](https://growmidwives.com/ginger-breedlove-selected-to-new-apc-board-of-tdc/) - Dr. Ginger Breedlove, CEO, Founder & Principal Consultant of Grow Midwives LLC, has been selected to join a new Advisory Board of The Doctor’s Company (TDC). The new Advisory Board, formed of Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) from throughout the United States, will meet with TDC executives to share insight on issues affecting Nurse Practitioners, Certified
- [From Nose to Tail: Common Coverage Issues For Midwives](https://growmidwives.com/from-nose-to-tail-common-coverage-issues-for-midwives/) - From Nose to Tail: Common Coverage Issues For Midwives Midwives often find themselves unaware of the need for tail coverage when leaving a position. Either they were unaware of the type of policy insured under, had not planned for paying their own tail, or unaware of time limits some tail policy’s provide. This one-hour webinar
- [Featured on Health Management Associates (HMA) Weekly Roundup](https://growmidwives.com/featured-on-health-management-associates-hma-weekly-roundup/) - The Rural Health Transformation Program: Options to Address the Maternity Care Crisis @GrowMidwives honored to be quoted in HMAs Weekly Roundup: Trends in Health Policy If YOUR state is trying to determine how to write the RFP for the Rural Health Transformation Program grant funding ($50 billion for rural communities) improving maternal healthcare access using
- [Fair Market Value in Midwifery Employment Arrangements](https://growmidwives.com/fair-market-value/) - Fair Market Value | March 11, 2021 An informative conversation with #GrowMidwives team Joe and Ginger as they discuss fair market value concepts and current scenarios. After a comprehensive legal overview, highlights include what (if any) implications around FMV are related to Stark Law, Safe Harbor, and wRVUs as rationale for capping midwifery compensation. Along
- [December Newsletter: Scaling the Midwifery Workforce](https://growmidwives.com/december-newsletter-scaling-the-midwifery-workforce/) - The monthly newsletter provides up-to-date events that Grow Midwives Team members are participating in as well as meaningful articles discussed across social media channels on topics that impact maternal child health and the midwifery profession. This month newsletter features Isaac Booth, JD, Atty and Ginger Breedlove, CEO Grow Midwives speaking to Flint, Michigan Hurly Hospital
- [Covenants Not to Compete: Contract Perils Webinar](https://growmidwives.com/covenants-not-to-compete-contract-perils-webinar/) - [et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22" custom_padding="6px|||||"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_margin="|auto|-115px|auto||" custom_padding="0px|||||"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.9.4" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"]This 90 minute recorded webinar with Joseph Booth and Ginger Breedlove zeros in on a specific area of Restrictive Covenants - the noncompete. #GrowMidwives review of now over 200 contracts has evaluated a wide range of restrictive
- [Breedlove sought after to speak on: Negotiating Your Worth](https://growmidwives.com/breedlove-sought-after-to-speak-on-negotiating-your-worth/) - A variety of audiences, from students to practicing healthcare providers, are reaching out to learn more about the complexity of employment offers. In an era of growing workforce shortages in the health professions, combined with increasing student-loan debt, and employers using every method to attract candidates for job openings understanding employment offers is critical now
- [Barriers and Recommendations for Midwives in Independent Practice](https://growmidwives.com/followup-barriers-recommendations-independent-practice/) - In case you missed it, here is the video and transcription of the Webinar "Barriers and Recommendations for Independent Practice" with Ginger Breedlove from Grow Midwives on Thursday, November 30, 2018. Below the video and at the bottom of the page, you can find a button to download the CHECKLIST TO REDUCE MIDWIFERY PRACTICE BARRIERS. If
- [Practical Tips in Billing & Coding](https://growmidwives.com/practical-tips-in-billing-coding/) - Midwifery Pearls to assure you are maximizing your value Medical coding and billing are essential components of the healthcare practice, which help to ensure that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement for their services, bill compliantly, and track their wRVUs and Accounts Charged. Accurate coding and billing practices help to reduce errors and fraud, which can
- [Subscribe to The Possibilist Midwives](https://growmidwives.com/subscribe-to-the-possibilist-midwives/) - Episode 2: Identifying Wants & Needs to Elevate Core Values, Establish Boundaries and Guide Decisions In their second podcast The Possibilist Midwives Ginger and Denise unpack the value of self-reflection and why this is important across a career. They discuss a tool designed by Grow Midwives to identify wants from needs and explain how clarifying
- [The Possibilist Midwives Podcast is NOW LIVE](https://growmidwives.com/the-possibilist-midwives-podcast-is-now-live/) - Are you a midwife who’s tired of feeling unheard, overworked, or searching for answers that never seem to come? The Possibilist Midwife is your place to unpack the real challenges of midwifery—and discover what’s truly possible. Whether you’re a veteran midwife or just beginning your journey, you’ll walk away feeling energized, empowered, and ready to engage—not
- [Launching The Possibilist Midwives Podcast](https://growmidwives.com/launching-the-possibilist-midwives-podcast/) - The Journey to Becoming a Possibilist Midwife Launching January 16, '26 Today we set up Buzzsprout for our new Podcast The Possibilist Midwives. This platform will serve to host and promote twice monthly episodes making it easy to reach listeners via Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and the Grow Midwives YouTube channel. You can find Denise
- [Leadership SKILLS That Will Advance Midwifery In Any Setting: The Possibilist Mindset](https://growmidwives.com/leadership-skills-that-will-advance-midwifery-in-any-setting-the-possibilist-mindset/) - Join the Movement to Elevate Midwifery Are you a midwife feeling unheard, overworked, or searching for answers that seem just out of reach? Watch December 2025 webinar by @GrowMidwives designed specifically for you. Discover strategies that can transform your practice and restore your sense of purpose. And beginning January 2026, embark on a journey of
- [The Doctor's Company: APC Live Discussion on Professional Liability](https://growmidwives.com/the-doctors-company-apc-live-discussion-on-professional-liability/) - TDC Group’s live webinar, Risk Realities: Insights Into Medical Liability Exposure for Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs),” will be held on October 23, 2025. Earn ONE HOUR of CME/CE credit while gathering valuable insights on risk mitigation. As APCs gain greater clinical autonomy, their exposure to malpractice grows. Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN is a
- [Maternal Mortality in the United States is Worse Than Every Other Developed Country in the World and Midwives can Save Lives](https://growmidwives.com/maternal-mortality-united-states-worse-every-developed-country-world/) - By Ginger Breedlove Is the maternal mortality rate in the United States really higher than every other developed country in the world? Yes, and it’s getting worse. Considering the magnitude of this public health crisis, it’s astounding how few seem to be aware that thousands of mothers are dying every year for reasons that are
- [Webinar Follow-Up: How to Market a Birth Center or Midwifery Business Online](https://growmidwives.com/how-to-market-a-birth-center-online/) - On May, 29 2018, Peter Soto hosted a webinar for Grow Midwives exploring the basics of marketing a birth center and other midwifery related businesses online. If you would like to consult with Peter or any of the other Grow Midwives team, reach out on our contact us page. If you would like to follow
- [Season’s Greetings: A Call To Mentor Future Midwives](https://growmidwives.com/seasons-greetings-grow-midwives/) - By Ginger Breedlove As we move through the December holidays and into the New Year, I wanted to take a moment to encourage everyone in the Grow Midwives community to reflect on how they can give back. Even during this time of great political partisanship, we can all embrace the title of Former President
- [Integrating Midwifery Led Care in 2019](https://growmidwives.com/integrating-midwifery-led-care/) - There are numerous resources for learning how to create a distinct, high functioning, and integrated midwifery practice. By being aware of every resource currently available, and matching opportunities with your professional goals, you can execute the right strategy to get started with midwifery led care. Best business practices do not need to be re-invented,
- [Opening a Birth Center: My Journey From Hospital Midwife to Birth Center Midwife](https://growmidwives.com/journey-hospital-midwife-birth-center-midwife/) - By Lesley Rathbun Birth Centers are growing and so are opportunities for midwives to work outside of the hospital setting. The industry has grown 76% since 2010 to 344 total birth centers in the United States and shows no sign of slowing down. Due to the small numbers of centers, many student midwives do not
- [The Midwife’s Guide to Creating Your Dream Job](https://growmidwives.com/midwifes-guide-creating-dream-job/) - By Ginger Breedlove Ginger Breedlove and Lesley Rathbun held a webinar on Thursday 2/8/2018 at 6 p.m. cst. They discussed how midwives can become concept creators and leaders in various practices, as well as provided examples from their combined 70+ years of midwifery experience. There is a link to the webinar at the bottom
- [What is a Midwife Worth Follow-Up: Webinar on Salary and Contract Negotiation](https://growmidwives.com/grow-midwives-follow-worth/) - [et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"]Ginger Breedlove is a Midwife with nearly 40 years of experience caring for mothers and children. She has worked in just about every type of Midwife practice possible, even starting a hospital-based midwifery service in Kansas City, Missouri. During her career,
- [Webinar Follow-Up: What has the Pinard Taught Us?](https://growmidwives.com/webinar-follow-up-what-has-the-pinard-taught-us/) - On June 21, 2018, Ginger and Lesley from the Grow Midwives team hosted an intimate webinar exploring the lessons the wonderful tool known as the Pinard has taught the midwifery community. If you would like to follow along with the presentation, Ginger’s Prezi can be found here. [rtbs name="what-has-the-pinard-taught-us"]
- [What is a Pinard? – The World’s Oldest Tool For Hearing Fetal Heartbeats](https://growmidwives.com/what-is-a-pinard-the-worlds-oldest-tool-for-hearing-fetal-heartbeats/) - In 1895, Adolphe Pinard (1844–1934) a French obstetrician, designed an elegant, trumpet-shaped instrument for listening to babies in utero. This trumpet was made of wood and featured a single diameter opening drilled through the center. Using this simple tool, sound made by the fetal heart was efficiently transmitted to the listener’s ear. Aptly named
- [Stuck – Assessing here and now while thinking forward!](https://growmidwives.com/stuck-assessing-here-and-now-while-thinking-forward/) - We all have been there. Trying to figure out why our professional career or practice is not growing. How can we figure out ways to collaborate better, work more efficiently, reignite shared passion, implement meaningful performance indicators, and advocate for better salaries or work conditions? What if, year after year, or even a few
- [Nobody Told Me About That](https://growmidwives.com/nobody-told-me-about-that/) - Did you, a friend or family member experience a fully supported, well informed, calm postpartum experience? Isn’t that what most new parent’s hope for and expect? An easy transition most health care providers must believe, as families are sent home 48 hours after an uncomplicated birth without any professional contact in the first three
- [What is a Midwife Worth? Negotiating Your Value and Earning Potential](https://growmidwives.com/what-are-you-worth/) - [et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.9.10" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"] By Ginger Breedlove This is a scenario that plays out for midwives across the United States every day. It’s the start of a new week at the practice where you’re employed. Even though there are 5
- [Professional liability coverage: 411 for Midwives on Claims-made, Occurrence, Nose, Tail and Gap (Recorded June 17, 2020)](https://growmidwives.com/professional-liability-coverage-411-for-midwives-on-claims-made-occurrence-nose-tail-and-gap-recorded-june-17-2020/) - To address concern with increasing trends in poorly written midwifery contracts and to enhance awareness of professional liability coverage, a 90-minute, live, interactive Webinar was provided by the Grow Midwives team of Joseph Booth and Ginger Breedlove. Discussion centers on midwife actions that can be taken when negotiating PRIOR to signing agreements, when preparing to
- [Landing the Interview & Job Offer Seminar](https://growmidwives.com/landing-the-interview-job-offer-seminar/) - Listen to this 90-minute recorded live Webinar with Ginger Breedlove discussion 6 key strategies to landing an interview and getting a job offer. Topics include: Readiness to apply, Application Process, Follow-up, Readiness to Interview, Interview and Negotiations. A robust 30 minute Q&A follows as well as useful resources to help prepare in all areas of
- [Negotiating At Will Contracts](https://growmidwives.com/negotiating-at-will-contracts/) - October 7, 2020 Negotiating At Will Contracts – Joseph Booth, Lesley Rathbun and Ginger Breedlove This panel presentation will help midwives improve their understanding on how to protect your professional career, view examples from redacted contracts with concerning content, and how to negotiate terms. Midwives who can skillfully negotiate the terms and conditions of employment
- [RVUs a Primer for Midwives](https://growmidwives.com/rvus-and-midwifery/) - RVUs and Midwifery - Really? Yes, many Midwives work under specific contract clauses for a base salary, incentive bonus and/or annual performance metrics. Do RVUs bring value to the midwife? Yes, monetarily they can, and also, RVUs can bring many challenges, hardships and lead to divisive practice politics. If you are interested in knowing the
- [Proforma for Midwife Start Ups](https://growmidwives.com/proforma-for-midwife-start-ups/) - Proforma for Midwife Start Ups Readiness & Financial Implications in Starting a Business | June 2021 Grow Midwives Custom Finance Modeling Tool for Opening Your Own Private Practice Grow Midwives has helped new Midwifery businesses with financial modeling for raising venture capital/startup funding and private equity partnerships. We have over 50 years of combined experience
- [Understanding and Creating Midwifery Fee Schedules](https://growmidwives.com/understanding-and-creating-midwifery-fee-schedules/) - Understanding and Creating Midwifery Fee Schedules One of the biggest questions that I get asked is “How do I set my fee schedule?” The simplest way to set a fee schedule is to use a percentage of what Medicare allows. For example, a family practice clinic may charge 150% to 200% of what Medicare allows,

## Pages

- [Home](https://growmidwives.com/) - Who We Are Our Team More than 70 years of combined experience leading and integrating midwifery-led models of care across the country. As past presidents of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the American Association of Birth Centers, our founding partners offer both national perspective and hands-on expertise.
- [Isaac Booth, JD](https://growmidwives.com/about/isaac-booth/) - About Isaac, Isaac Booth is an attorney with experience in legal research, contract analysis, and emerging issues in business and intellectual property law. He works with clients to evaluate legal risks, clarify complex contractual language, and develop strategies that align with their professional and business goals. Isaac earned his Juris Doctor from Washburn University School
- [LESLEY RATHBUN, MSN, CNM, FNP, FACNM](https://growmidwives.com/about/lesley-rathbun/) - Our Team GINGER BREEDLOVE, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN CEO, Founder and Principal Consultant Learn More Joseph Booth, JD, M.Div In-House Counsel and Partner Learn More Lesley Rathbun, MSN, CNM, FNP, FACNM CCO, Senior Consultant and Partner Learn More Arden Schwenker, CFO, CPCO, COBGC CFO, Senior Consultant and Partner Learn More Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNM Clinical
- [Kathy Camacho Carr, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN](https://growmidwives.com/about/kathy-carr/) - About Kathy, Katherine “Kathy” Camacho Carr is a nationally recognized midwifery educator, consultant, and advocate with over 48 years of experience in clinical practice, curriculum design, research, and global health initiatives. As Professor Emerita at Seattle University College of Nursing, Dr. Carr taught and mentored graduate students in nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner programs and served
- [Joseph W. Booth, JD, M.Div.](https://growmidwives.com/about/joseph-booth/) - About Joseph, Today’s physicians and midwives spend the majority of their early careers learning how to administer care. So much so that learning the legal and business aspects of running a practice simply isn’t feasible. The legalities surrounding maternity care require careful navigation by a knowledgeable advocate. Joseph W. Booth brings more than 25 years
- [John D. Yeast, MD, MSPH](https://growmidwives.com/about/john-d-yeast-md-msph/) - About John, Dr. John D. Yeast, is a nationally recognized maternal-fetal medicine specialist, educator, and researcher with more than four decades of leadership in obstetrics and gynecology. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing perinatal outcomes, shaping medical education, and improving maternal health systems at both the clinical and policy levels. Dr. Yeast co-founded
- [Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, APRN, FACNM, FAAN](https://growmidwives.com/about/ginger-breedlove/) - About Ginger, Solving the shortage of women’s health care providers in the US is a daunting task that requires coordination, collaboration, and vision. Few people in the world understand this complex challenge as well as Dr. Ginger Breedlove. With more than four decades of experience as a clinician, educator, leader, and advocate, Ginger has shaped
- [Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, APNP](https://growmidwives.com/about/denise-fryzelka-phd-cnm-apnp/) - About Denise, Denise Fryzelka is a Certified Nurse-Midwife, Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner, and educator with more than two decades of experience providing, teaching, and advancing midwifery care in diverse settings across the United States and abroad. Fluent in French and Spanish, and with intermediate Haitian Creole, Denise has dedicated her career to expanding access to
- [About Us](https://growmidwives.com/about/) - Who we are Grow Midwives, LLC® Our mission is clear: to scale up and sustain midwifery. We work alongside midwives, hospitals, academic centers, birth centers, and group practices. With more than 70 years of combined leadership and national experience, we bring unmatched expertise in guiding teams through the technical and strategic steps of building sustainable
- [Arden Schwenker, CFO, CPCO, COBGC](https://growmidwives.com/about/arden-schwenker/) - About Arden, Arden Schwenker brings more than 20 years of expertise in operations, compliance, and healthcare business management. With a proven track record of helping medical practices and birth centers streamline systems, increase revenue, and build sustainable operations, Arden has become a trusted leader in practice growth and compliance oversight. As Director of Operations for
- [The Possibilist Midwives Podcast](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/)
- [Webinars](https://growmidwives.com/video-resources/) - Are you searching for reliable resources to expand your understanding of the business of midwifery, billing and coding, wRVU metrics and bonus models, and professional malpractice liability? Grow Midwives offers more than 100 videos on the GM YouTube Channel, featuring a wide range of free webinars focused on essential professional topics for midwives. Our goal is
- [](https://growmidwives.com/49650-2/)
- [Contact](https://growmidwives.com/contact/) - Get in touch Always here for you! Let’s connect Our team is ready to answer your questions and explore how we can partner together to scale and sustain midwifery care. Email ginger@growmidwives.com Call us Phone:(913) 717-7896 FAQ Here are some common questions about Grow Midwives, LLC® products and services What kinds of practices do you
- [Hospital Based Services](https://growmidwives.com/hospital-based/) - Starting or Scaling a Midwife Service Grow Midwives® provides customized services for private practices, FQHCs, hospitals, and academic institutions, with nine years of experience helping to establish midwife services. The team includes seasoned midwifery clinical leaders, a maternal fetal medicine physician/CMO, and a CFO specializing in revenue cycle analysis for midwife-led care. Developing an Alongside
- [Nobody Told Me About That](https://growmidwives.com/nobody-told-me-about-that/) - Nobody Told Me About That, Surviving and Thriving in the Early Weeks Postpartum, 2nd Ed. (2023) Only on Amazon. So why a second edition of this book first published in 2018? The first book was inspired by frustration witnessing inadequate postpartum support for my son and his wife with the birth of our first grand-child.
- [Free Access](https://growmidwives.com/articles/) - An Analysis of The Emerging Use of “Fair Market Value” Language in ContractualRelationships for Midwifery Services 2025 UPDATE ON VICARIOUS LIABILITY: DEBUNKING THE MYTHS IMPEDINGCERTIFIED NURSE-MIDWIVES AND CERTIFIED MIDWIVES PRACTICE Facility Design,Reimagining Approaches to Childbirth in Hospital and Birth CenterSettings The Changing Use of Billing “Incident To”in the provision of Midwifery Services
- [Services](https://growmidwives.com/services/) - 4 core Services Founding • Scaling • Coaching • Championing At Grow Midwives, LLC®, we bring over 70 years of combined experience in building, sustaining, and advancing midwifery-led care. Our services help hospitals, birth centers, and midwifery practices create sustainable, collaborative models grounded in trust and excellence. Founding Support from concept to accreditation for launching
- [Privacy Policy](https://growmidwives.com/privacy-policy/) - At Grow Midwives, LLC, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information you provide when visiting www.growmidwives.com. By using the Site, you consent to the practices described here. We do not collect personal health information or provide medical services. The information we
- [Terms of Service](https://growmidwives.com/terms-of-service/) - Welcome to www.growmidwives.com, a website owned and operated by Grow Midwives, LLC. By accessing or using this Site, you agree to these Terms of Service. The Site is intended to provide information about our professional development, consulting, and educational services for midwives and organizations interested in midwifery. We do not provide medical care, diagnosis, treatment,
- [Guided Meditations](https://growmidwives.com/guided-meditations/) - Mindfulness in the First Weeks of Parenting – Audio Files As you read this final chapter in Nobody Told Me About That, 2nd Ed., you have the opportunity to learn something that may be new to you, at the same time that many things in your life are new. Is it hard? Sometimes. Just like reading about exercise doesn’t build muscles, reading about mindfulness is different than practicing it. But through practicing mindfulness, you may find a(nother) way to offer yourself some care, kindness, and compassion. New parents need all those things, just like your baby does. You will find all the guided meditation audio-files referenced in this chapter here. Jen Moffitt, RN, MSN, CNM, Senior Faculty, MBPF (Mindful Birthing and Parenting Foundation), Chapter Author. Loving Kindness Body Scan Lying Down Awareness of Breathing Walking Meditation Three Step Breathing Space
- [Proforma](https://growmidwives.com/proforma/) - Proforma Start Your Own Midwifery Owned Business If you are interested in owning your own practice or birth center, led and staffed by Midwives, our new interactive tool: Proforma for Midwife Start Ups© can help you take your concept to reality. Grow Midwives Custom Finance Modeling Tool for Opening Your Own Private Practice Grow Midwives has helped

## Podcast Episodes

- [Identifying Wants & Needs to Elevate Core Values, Establish Boundaries and Guide Decisions](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/identifying-wants-needs-to-elevate-core-values-establish-boundaries-and-guide-decisions/) - In their second podcast Ginger and Denise unpack the value of self-reflection and why this is important across a career. They discuss a tool designed by Grow Midwives to identify wants from needs and explain how clarifying personal, professional and financial issues can provide leverage in negotiation. In addition, Ginger offers suggestions on how to use this tool alongside additional survey methods to spark your practice or Affiliate to action. Link to Wants and Needs Tool https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9ttwNoPJpUOHBBMB0aeMYgxEKCCSUT3/view?usp=sharingOrganizational Assessment using SWOT and PESTLE analysis https://www.scribd.com/doc/119040692/SwotCo-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode #12: Consumerism, Coding, and C-Sections: Navigating the Future of Maternity Care](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-12-consumerism-coding-and-c-sections-navigating-the-future-of-maternity-care/) - Join hosts Ginger and Denise for a probing and extraordinarily fun hour with OB/GYN Dr. Neel Shah. Together they will take you on the rapidly shifting landscape of maternal healthcare, discussing everything from the rise of C-sections and the true cost of care to the vital role of midwives. The discussion moves to the unknown healthcare industry's changing tides including forecasts about new OB coding, the rise of direct-to-consumer healthcare, and how consumerism is reshaping patient expectations. But this episode isn't just about the challenges— if you follow us, it's a forward-looking exploration of what is ‘possible’. Neel highlights the innovative strategies and advancing technologies that are driving real improvement in the field. From AI-driven evidence-based research and better predictability for pre-eclampsia, to the integration of Ambient Listening and the transition from Up-to-Date to Open Evidence. We know you will be challenged to think about how these tools shape your delivery of healthcare. Favorite Podcast Neel’isms, "Modern midwifery requires working against the grain," and “Midwives see color when everyone else sees black and white." If you are looking for a thoughtful, deeply insightful conversation that balances systems critique with genuine hope for the future of maternal care, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Vital Statistics Births provisional data for 2025. Report No. 43, April 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr043.pdfHeartland Forward HHS Collaboration to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes. May 2026. https://heartlandforward.org/new-heartland-forward-hhs-collaboration-aims-to-improve-maternal-health-outcomes/Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [SPECIAL Episode #11: Embracing the Dance of Conflict with William Ury, PhD](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/special-episode-11-embracing-the-dance-of-conflict-with-william-ury-phd/) - When faced with challenging workplace situations, concerning contract negotiations, or conflict in power-over relationships, most resort to recoil—a response that only increases anxiety and frustration. In this truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, hosts Ginger and Denise sit down with world renown negotiator William Ury to discuss how to shift your mindset and embrace conflict as a powerful catalyst for change.Dr. Ury—a Harvard-trained social anthropologist, co-founder of Harvard’s Program on Negotiation, and co-author of the groundbreaking bestseller Getting to Yes—has spent his life negotiating in high-stakes environments. Part memoir, part manual, part manifesto, his newest book Possible offers stories and sage advice from nearly 50 years of experience on the front lines of some of the world’s toughest conflicts. From the White House Crisis Center and corporate boardrooms to coal mines and active war zones, he has dedicated his career to finding "win-win" solutions. Key Takeaways:Redefine Conflict: Learn to stop running from conflict. Instead, "Befriend your fear... conflict is normal... play with it… dance with it... move towards the thing that you fear."The Midwifery Metaphor: "Midwifery is a metaphor for what society needs to do.... it’s an action." Discover how to move toward collaborative, positive outcomes from difficult situations.Shift Your Perspective: When dealing with opposition think about Ury’s recommendation: "Meet animosity with curiosity!"Get the book, Possible https://www.williamury.com/possible/Register for July 23rd Grow Midwives CME Conference with William Ury as the Keynote Speaker https://www.kumc.edu/institute-for-community-engagement/our-divisions/ku-ahec/professional-development/4th-annual-healthcare-at-the-crossroads.htmlCo-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode 10: The Big Tent: Leadership, Relevance, and the Future of Midwifery with ACNMs new President, Dr. Peter Johnson](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-10-the-big-tent-leadership-relevance-and-the-future-of-midwifery-with-acnms-new-president-dr-peter-johnson/) - What is the value of a professional society in a changing world? In this episode, hosts Ginger and Denise sit down with Dr. Peter Johnson, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, the new President of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). With over 40 years of experience as an educator, clinician, and global health leader, Dr. Johnson brings a "not on my watch" dedication to the future of the organization.What We Discuss:· The Power of Small Organizations: Why being a member of the ACNM matters and how individuals can make a tangible difference.· Relevance & Value: A deep dive into the value proposition of the ACNM today and how to remain relevant as a professional society.· The "Big Tent" Philosophy: Exploring how to maintain a unified profession despite differing perspectives and why membership numbers are shifting.· Future Initiatives: Dr. Johnson’s goals for his term, including workforce initiatives and the Task Force on Name Change.· AND a Provocative Question: We wrap up with a brief, fascinating look at the possibility of U.S. Midwives forming a union.Want to email Peter Johnson? president@acnm.orgACNM Membership Levels - WE NEED EVERYONE to re-think what is possible with joining and/or return to membership. https://midwife.org/membership/Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode 9: The $17 Million Blind Spot. Why TMaH is the Most Important Acronym You've Never Heard About](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-9-the-17-million-blind-spot-why-tmah-is-the-most-important-acronym-youve-never-heard-about/) - If I told you there was a $17 million dollar check sitting on a table with your name on it, you’d probably pull up a chair, right? Now, what if I told you that check is already signed, the seats are being filled, but midwives a key component of the funding objectives aren't even in the room?Episode 9 explores the TMaH—Transforming Maternal Health state grants with a focus on Alabama. In 2025, fifteen State Medicaid Associations were awarded $17 million each. States are now in the three-year Pre-Implementation Phase. This is the 'assessment and planning' period that will dictate exploration and implementation concepts funded until December 31, 2034.What is a required objective? Workforce expansion. But here is the problem:What happens when a State Medicaid Association staff has zero familiarity with midwife scope of practice or credentials?What happens when the grant applications aren't in the public domain, and midwives don't even know the funding exists?This is about power. If midwifery is being held hostage by barriers to practice and inequitable reimbursement, TMaH is the key to the lock. But you can't wait for an invitation that might never come. If we don’t organize now, 'workforce expansion' will be defined for us, not by us.In This Episode Ginger, Denise and guest Dr. Elizabeth Munoz DNP, CNM break down strategy to move from the sidelines to the conversation. We discuss:How to track down your state’s TMaH roadmapOrganize your Affiliate WHY aligned with funding objectivesBring objective actions to collaborate as an expected organizationFederal program overview https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/tmahAlabama TMaH webpage https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/2.0_Newsroom/2.7_Special_Initiatives/2.7.7_Transforming_Maternal_Health_TMaH_Model.aspxCo-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode #8: Red Flags and Rights in Midwife Contracts](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-8-red-flags-and-rights-in-midwife-contracts/) - How do you know if the offer is actually a fair deal, or if it's hiding harsh restrictive covenants? This week, Ginger and Denise sit down with attorney Isaac Booth, MUED, J.D. to pull back the curtain on common clauses in employment agreements for midwives.From identifying "red flag" clauses to understanding the long-term impact of malpractice coverage, we’re breaking down the essentials you need to know before you sign.In this episode, we explore:The Anatomy of a Fair Offer: How to tell if a contract is balanced, interpretable, and equitable.AI vs. Attorney: Can AI truly replace a professional analysis of your contract details?The Deal-Breakers: What should make you walk away from negotiating // unless you want to practice?Malpractice & Restrictive Covenants: Why these two specific areas can make or break your professional future.Signing Savvy: Why you should never sign a contract watermarked "draft" or one with incomplete lines.Negotiation Strategies: Practical tips for defining your rights and obligations while securing the best possible offer.Whether you are a new graduate looking at your first offer or a seasoned midwife considering a change, this conversation can help increase awareness in how you evaluate employment agreements.Free law dictionary discussed on podcast https://www.law.cornell.edu/Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode 7: Decoding the Midwifery Job Offer](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-7-decoding-the-midwifery-job-offer/) - Are you a midwife searching for a fair salary and a workload that actually defines and respects your FTE? When you're scrolling through job postings, it’s easy to get lost in the "right fit" rhetoric. But what does that term really mean to a recruiter, and are they looking for someone vested in the job or just trying to hit a hiring quota?In this episode, Ginger and Denise pull back the curtain on the recruitment process. They take a randomly selected, current, redacted job offer for a full-time midwife and perform a live breakdown. Topics include:Reading Between the Lines: How to spot "hidden cues" in a job description that reveal the true culture of a practice.The Recruiter’s Lens: Distinguishing between a genuine values connection and "talent acquisition specialists" just looking to fill a seat.Leveraging Your Worth: How to use the details within a job posting to gain leverage during salary and contract negotiations.The Scope of the Role: Finding clarity on onboarding, bonuses, and 'extra work' beyond minimum expectations before you sign on the dotted line.Whether you're actively searching or just curious about your market value, join in for a deep dive into finding a position that offers both professional growth and personal alignment.Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode 6: Haiti, Health & the Human Right to Birth](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-6-haiti-health-the-human-right-to-birth/) - This #possibilistmidwives episode explores a free-standing birth center, Maison de Naissance, founded in Haiti 22 years ago by Dr. Betsy Wickstrom, MFM, Dr. Stan Schaffer, Neonatologist, and Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, who served as its first medical director. From its inception, the center was guided by Dr. Paul Farmer’s belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right and should be community-driven, with a focus on serving the poorest of the poor. The conversation then shifts to the importance of collaborative care between midwives and physicians in the U.S. In order to expand the workforce to the highest skill level, increase access, and provide needed patient-centered care, improving mutual respect for each profession’s scope of practice must be realized. Dr. Wickstrom, Denise and Ginger lay the foundation of what is possible. Midwife Isata Dumbuya Sierre Leone/ TIME magazine awarded Women of the Year https://time.com/collections/women-of-the-year/7377892/isata-dumbuya/Donate to Maison de Naissance thru https://globalbirthinghomefoundation.org/Documentary featuring Dr. Paul Farmer and Partners in Health, ‘Bending the Arc’ https://www.pih.org/bending-the-arcGood Birth Network affirming safe and respectful care in global settings https://goodbirth.net/Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode 5: Second First Days: Real Talk on Returning to Practice](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-5-second-first-days-real-talk-on-returning-to-practice/) - What does it really take to restart a clinical career after years away? Join Ginger and Denise as they talk with Emily Portis, a practicing midwife who faced significant hurdles when re-entering the field after a three-year break. Emily opens up about the "pivots" she made and how she used the strength of her network to land the right role. It’s an honest look at the grit needed to overcome modern healthcare obstacles—from tech advancements to shifting clinical standards, adapting work schedules, and a testament to the power of staying connected during a career gap.Article on ob/gyn workforce: Geographic variation in supply, demand, and adequacy of the obstetrics and gynecology physician workforce: forecasts and shortage risks in the United States. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2026 Feb 14;313(1):95. doi: 10.1007/s00404-026-08322-5. PMID: 41691088; PMCID: PMC12906581. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41691088/Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode 4: Stories, Struggles & Wisdom for Black History Month](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-4-stories-struggles-wisdom-for-black-history-month/) - Ginger and Denise welcome their first midwife guest to The Possibilist Midwives podcast, Jualeah Early, CNM. With more than 17 years of full-scope midwifery practice, Jualeah has served in diverse settings—from private practice and a free-standing birth center to her current role as a CNM laborist with OBHG in Florida. In this powerful conversation, she opens up about the challenges and stereotypes Black midwives often encounter throughout their education and professional journeys. Tune in and leave inspired to pause, reflect, and embrace a deeper commitment to listening to patient's.OBHG 2025 Annual Maternal Health Impact Report referenced https://obhg.com/new-report-what-maternal-health-impact-really-looks-like-beyond-the-metrics/Application for the two, 2026 Grow Midwives BIPOC $1000 Student Scholarships. Random drawing Feb 28th. https://form.jotform.com/241544340632146Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode 3: Follow the Dollars with Guest Arden Schwenker](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-3-follow-the-dollars-with-guest-arden-schwenker/) - In this episode, Ginger and Denise welcome Arden Schwenker, CFO of Grow Midwives LLC and leader of Grow Midwives Billing & Recovery Solutions, for a deep dive into the financial realities shaping midwifery practice today.Arden breaks down common coding challenges, why understanding your Accounts Charged matters more than you think, and how wRVUs can become powerful leverage when negotiating your worth. The conversation also explores Incident-to billing and tackles the financial questions midwives ask most—often answered with Arden’s favorite (and very real) response: #itdepends.This episode kicks off a foundational series on following the money—because financial fluency isn’t optional if you want sustainability, autonomy, and growth in midwifery practice.✨ Insightful. Practical. Essential listening for midwives ready to understand—and claim—their value.Resources:Arden Schwenker bio https://growmidwives.com/about/arden-schwenker/Federal Registrar Open Comment for Maternity Care Shortage Area.Matthew Patterson, Senior Advisor, Division of Policy and Shortage Designation, Bureau of Health Workforce, HRSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, phone number: (301) 594-5110, Mail Stop 15SWH03, Rockville, Maryland 20857, or sdb@hrsa.gov.AAPR wRVU calculatorhttps://www.aapc.com/tools/rvu-calculator.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOopchL9FDBHX1n1dX2FFKIAQtfdBtxnrPbsDKBK4nF6Ivrl6AREcCo-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [The Possibilist Midwives - Episode 1, January 9, 2026](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/the-possibilist-midwives-episode-1-january-9-2026/) - In their first episode Ginger & Denise share how they met 36 years ago, their journey into the midwifery profession, explore "Breaking News", and dive into the 'why' behind starting a podcast dedicated to midwives. "Breaking News" segment of recently filed petition to the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of Heather Swanson, DNP, CNM that seeks change of statutes banning CNMs attending home birth, represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation. https://journalstar.com/news/state-regional/crime-courts/article_ba9787ac-e41d-4a51-9e69-fd6592b13e17.htmlWilliam Ury, author seven books with newest release in October 2024, Possible, How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict, and co-author of the international bestseller, Getting To Yes, Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Purchase Possible on Audible and hear Ury narrate his 40-year career! https://www.williamury.com/Save The Date Grow Midwives 4th annual "Midwifery at the Crossroads" conference, Virtual-only, Thursday, July 23rd. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: William Ury [5 CME pending] Registration opens in May and unlimited due to virtual format.Join us! Whether you're a veteran midwife or just beginning your journey, you'll walk away feeling energized, empowered, and ready to engage - not just react. You've found your people!Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode #13: The Power of Your Voice: Advocacy and Health Equity with Ellen Breslin](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-13-the-power-of-your-voice-advocacy-and-health-equity-with-ellen-breslin/) - Does your voice really matter? If you’ve ever wondered whether navigating daily workplace challenges and sharing the realities can truly impact the broader system and the communities we live in, this episode is for you.Hosts Ginger and Denise are joined by state and federal advocacy guru, Ellen Breslin who holds a masters degree in public policy. Drawing from her vast expertise with the largest healthcare consulting firm in the nation, and centering her work in Massachusetts—tackling everything from state budget battles to fighting for justice, health equity, and reducing disparities—Ellen brings invaluable lessons on why and how midwives must use their voices.While not a direct expert in maternal child health, Ellen’s extensive career in breaking down regulatory restrictions and aggressively defending quality of life offers a masterclass in advocacy. Tune in to discover:How the "quadruple aim" aligns perfectly with the goals of modern midwifery.Practical strategies to grow and support the workforce while ensuring provider satisfaction.Priceless "pearls" from Ellen's advocacy career that you can easily overlay onto your own practice.Articles Cited:Health Affairs. https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/briefs/black-white-inequities-pregnancy-related-mortalityDeloitte Perspective, May 2026, Building Coalitions. https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/industries/life-sciences-health-care/perspectives/advancing-place-based-change-in-communities.htmlNote: Ellen is also a featured speaker at the July 23rd, 4th Annual Grow Midwives, "Care at the Crossroads" virtual conference. Don't miss this chance to preview her powerful insights!Register: https://www.kumc.edu/institute-for-community-engagement/our-divisions/ku-ahec/professional-development/4th-annual-healthcare-at-the-crossroads.htmlContact: Ellen Breslin, MPP (she/her/hers)Breslin Health Consulting, LLCellen@breslinhealth.comCo-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode #14: The Lifelong Journey of Midwifery Leadership: July 23rd/CME Conference Preview](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-14-the-lifelong-journey-of-midwifery-leadership-july-23rd-cme-conference-preview/) - When was the last time you paused to think about the professional issues that impact your work-life balance, your income, or the barriers to midwifery-led care? Do you ever feel like your voice is less valued simply because you don't hold an official "leadership" title?In this special episode, Denise and Ginger tackle these questions head-on. They believe that EVERY midwife is a leader—from how you direct care management plans to the choices you make every single hour of the working day. Leadership doesn't require a bestowed title; it emerges when we express our internal thoughts meaningfully, lift others up, and demonstrate what is possible. It is a quality inherently rooted in your daily life and interactions.Tune in as Denise and Ginger review the incredible national speakers and vital topics lined up for the upcoming Grow Midwives CME Conference on July 23rd.What You Need to Know About this Year’s Conference:100% Virtual: This year, the 4th annual conference is pivoting to an all-virtual format to complement the national ACNM meeting being held in Kansas City this October.No Attendance Caps: Registration for this virtual event is unlimited!Flexible Viewing: Can't make it to every session? If you register but are unable to attend live, you will still get full access to view all the presentations afterward.Earn Continuing Education Credits: KU/AHEC has granted 5.5 CME/CNE credits to awarded to everyone who attends the conference.Join us for this episode, register for the conference, and continue the lifelong journey of advancing the greater good for midwives and the families we serve! Registration $150 for licensed professionals and $75 for students. https://www.kumc.edu/institute-for-community-engagement/our-divisions/ku-ahec/professional-development/4th-annual-healthcare-at-the-crossroads.htmlCo-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode #15: Midwifery Billing Alert: Navigating 2027 CPT Changes and the CMS Comment Period](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-15-midwifery-billing-alert-navigating-2027-cpt-changes-and-the-cms-comment-period/) - When big policy shifts happen, it’s time for the midwifery community to speak out!This week, Ginger and Denise dive deep into some concerning new updates shaking up the world of ob-gyn billing. ACOG recently shared details regarding CMS adding back 15 previously cut codes and creating new "G-codes." This move could theoretically allow insurance companies to keep paying bundled global fees into 2027, rather than transitioning to the new CPT codes proposed by the AMA/ACOG for January implementation.What does this mean for your practice, your reimbursement, and the future of midwifery billing? More importantly, how can you make your voice heard during the open comment period?Joining the conversation is Arden Schwenker, CFO of Grow Midwives and Director of the GM billing service. Arden brings insider expertise to the table, having participated directly in conversations with the AMA/ACOG panel during the formulation of these codes. She breaks down the complex implications for obstetric care, shares key takeaways from recent ACOG trainings, and explains how accurate medical decision-making documentation is more critical than ever.Tune in to get informed, get prepared, and find out how you can take action!Want to dive deeper? Keep an eye out for Arden’s upcoming webinars and training opportunities designed to help midwives successfully implement these proposed changes at every point of care.ACOG Statement on G Codes https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2026/07/new-maternity-codes-in-2027-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-proposed-ruleIF you want to learn how to comment on these proposed changes, go to https://www.growmidwives.com BLOG page for detailed guidance and suggested comments by SEPTEMBER 14th!!Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode #16: Beyond the Acronyms: FSBC, AMU, CABC, what do they all have in common?](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-16-beyond-the-acronyms-fsbc-amu-cabc-what-do-they-all-have-in-common/) - FSBC, AMU, and CABC —what do they all have in common, and where are they headed?In this episode, Ginger and Denise sit down with special guest Lesley Rathburn, CNM, FNP, MSN, FACNM—partner and Chief Clinical Officer at Grow Midwives, two-term past president of the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC), and former founder and owner of Charleston Birthplace.Decades of federally funded research and clinical studies consistently demonstrate that the birth center model yields superior maternal and neonatal outcomes alongside significant cost savings. Yet despite these proven benefits, birth center owners face an increasingly tough balancing act between clinical volume, fiscal sustainability, and lagging reimbursement rates.In this discussion, we dive into:· The Financial Tightrope: Why balancing volume with reimbursement has become a critical challenge for historic and new birth centers alike.· The Private Equity Trap: How corporate buyouts and consolidation models aimed at scaling birth centers have largely failed to deliver on their promises.· Models & Accreditation: Demystifying Freestanding Birth Centers (FSBCs), Alongside Midwifery Units (AMUs), and CABC accreditation standards.· The Path Forward: Key barriers, emerging opportunities, and actionable steps to safeguard the future of midwifery-led care.Tune in for a candid, expert look at the business, policy, and practice behind modern birth center operations!Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode 17: Is it Reasonable?](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-17-is-it-reasonable/) - Ditch the "trust me bro" approach and step into contract negotiations with absolute clarity. In this episode, Ginger and Denise unpack critical strategies for evaluating job offers and understanding your true market value.We break down insights from the AMA Resource Packet on approaching physician job offers, examine the core differences between fixed vs. variable compensation models, and explore what local market skills are actually worth. Plus, we address the fear of negotiating head-on—explaining why prospective employers won't rescind a valid offer just because you ask questions, and why an offer pulled over reasonable negotiation is a major red flag.In this episode learn about:· Offer Letters vs. Employment Contracts: Key distinctions and why understanding the full legal relationship matters.· Decoding Compensation Models: Fixed vs. variable structures, setting salary expectations, and understanding workload metrics.· Overcoming Negotiation Fear: How to ask the right questions, push past hesitation, and assert your worth without risking the offer.· Evaluating Red Flags: What it means if an organization resists transparency or retracts an offer during discussions.AMA July 2026, Job interviewing tips for physician employment (and other pearls to negotiation)https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-residents/transition-resident-attending/job-interviewing-tips-physician-employmentCo-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026
- [Episode #18 Leading Beyond the Bedside: Midwifery Leadership and Practice Director Readiness](https://growmidwives.com/podcast/episode-18-leading-beyond-the-bedside-midwifery-leadership-and-practice-director-readiness/) - In this episode, Ginger and Denise welcome Shaina French—a midwife of 16 years currently pursuing a dual DNP/MBA at Johns Hopkins University. Shaina joins the Possibilist Midwives to discuss leadership readiness and what it truly takes to serve as a Midwifery Practice Director in hospitals, health systems, and large practices.Every week, the Grow Midwives team hears from clinicians navigating workplace incivility, a lack of representation in executive leadership, and uncertainty around their practice's fiscal value. This conversation validates these daily challenges while exploring how business acumen, administrative skill, and defined leadership roles can transform the future of midwifery.Want to help build knowledge! Participate in Shaina’s Study! If you are a titled, self-identified, or new practice director, you can support this work by participating in Shaina’s IRB-approved research study. In under 30 minutes, your input will help:· Gather data to shape educational offerings and resources for practice directors nationwide.· Identify the key barriers and enablers in practice leadership.· Strengthen local leadership to bridge the gap between clinical practices and national representation.As a thank-you for completing the survey, participants will receive access to a targeted list of career development resources, a customizable career development plan, and an entry to win a $250 gift card donated by Grow Midwives! (Johns Hopkins IRB-approved DNP project #00569417)https://nursingjhu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bIzIzsLUVQnWR5YHarvard Buisiness Review article cited in New News: August 12, 2026. Before Rolling Out a New Strategy, Assess Your Team's Readiness. Published on https://HBR.orgCo-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNMEmail The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwivesProducer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby CollaborationGM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, KeynoteThanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends!(c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026

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