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
Listen nowEpisode 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
Listen nowEpisode #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
Listen nowEpisode #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
Listen nowEpisode #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
Listen nowEpisode #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
Listen nowEpisode #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
Listen nowSPECIAL 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
Listen nowEpisode 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
Listen nowEpisode 9: The $17 Million Blind Spot. Why TMaH is the Most Important Acronym You’ve 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
Listen nowEpisode #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
Listen nowEpisode 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
Listen nowEpisode 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
Listen nowEpisode 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
Listen nowEpisode 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
Listen nowEpisode 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
Listen nowIdentifying 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
Listen nowThe 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
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