Heather Brigance, CNM, is a certified nurse-midwife—a profession she wholeheartedly pursued after the birth of her second child.
Brigance was working in the mortgage industry when a midwife delivered her daughter. “It was an amazing birth and I wanted to help give this experience to other women,” Brigance says, adding that she appreciated the quantity and quality of time midwives are able to spend with their patients. “For my delivery, it was a very hands-off approach, which worked since both my baby and I were doing fine.”
After years of practice as a midwife, Brigance says delivering babies still holds the same thrill. “It’s the most amazing experience. I am so honored to be a part of people’s birth, which is such a personal, private time,” she says. “I aim to listen to women and give them knowledge and comfort.”
Contrary to what some people may think, using a midwife does not mean you have a home birth or don’t use any pain medications, Brigance says. “I have only ever worked in a hospital setting and most of my patients get epidurals,” she says. “But I offer women techniques and tips to make everything more manageable.”
In addition to working with pregnant women, Brigance treats patients from adolescence through menopause. “I like educating women and helping them decide what they want and don’t want for all of their gynecological care,” she says.
