Midwifery Path to Childbirth
“Healthy baby, healthy mom” is the goal of every pregnancy. But, how you get there is a personal choice. Midwifery is gaining popularity as more women want input into their labor and delivery. Whether you choose a midwife or an obstetrician, every pregnant woman can benefit from a midwife’s resources. At Seasons, you will meet our certified nurse midwife as well as our doctors during your pregnancy. Choose the path that makes you comfortable. You have peace of mind in knowing that we work together to ensure you have the best birth experience.
Our Certified Nurse Midwives
Leveraging her advanced training in obstetric nursing, Nyela Edwards, CNM oversees comprehensive care for her OB patients, from prenatal visits to managing acute illnesses during pregnancy. “Welcoming new life is the most incredible miracle, and I’m passionate about supporting mothers throughout their journey to a healthy baby,” Nyela shares. Additionally, she offers general gynecology services focused on health and wellness.
Nyela earned her B.S. in Nursing from Milligan College and became a Registered Nurse, Certified in Inpatient Obstetrics (RNC-OB). She later obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University and completed her CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) clinical training at Park Ridge East Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Nyela is deeply committed to patient education, with a particular focus on prenatal care. “Prenatal education empowers patients to make informed choices about their lifestyle from the start of pregnancy through the postnatal period,” she says. She has a strong background in teaching prenatal care and values both community education and one-on-one patient discussions.
Nyela and her husband, Brad, are proud parents of two children. The family is actively involved in a variety of youth sports, including baseball, soccer, and basketball. When they’re not cheering from the sidelines, they enjoy watching sports together on TV.
Amanda Horn, CNM is deeply committed to supporting families who have faced infertility and pregnancy loss, a journey she and her husband personally experienced. After becoming the proud parents of their sweet baby boy, Horn felt a strong calling to become a healthcare provider, dedicating her career to helping women. “My own experience with conception ignited my passion for serving women,” Horn shares.
Horn is a firm believer in empowering patients to take the lead in their healthcare. “As a midwife, I have the privilege of spending ample time with women and their partners, building a relationship of trust and providing the education they need to make well-informed decisions,” she explains.
Horn’s expertise includes gynecologic care, contraceptive counseling, conception and infertility support, as well as prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and perimenopausal care for women at all stages of life.
Horn earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and her Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in Versailles, Kentucky.
Now calling the mountains of Tennessee home, Horn lives with her husband, young son, and a variety of pets. In her free time, she enjoys helping on the family farm with cattle, donkeys, and gardening. She is also exploring the game of golf and finds joy in traveling, floral design, and home improvement projects.
Chelsea Shell's interest in obstetrics and gynecology was sparked when she witnessed her sister’s struggle during pregnancy. Wanting to offer the kind of support she wished her sister had received, she decided to pursue a career in this field.
“Being with my sister through her difficult pregnancy and attending several of her appointments made me realize the importance of becoming a midwife,” Chelsea recalls. “I understood how crucial it is to build a strong and trusting relationship between patients and their healthcare providers during such a significant time.”
Chelsea is dedicated to educating, informing, and empowering women to make informed decisions about their healthcare. “My passion is to meet my patients where they are and collaborate on a path forward that best suits their needs,” she explains.
Chelsea earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN, and her Master of Science in the Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Outside of her professional life, Shell enjoys spending time with her husband and tending to their family farm, Shell and Son Farm, in Jonesborough, TN. They share their love for outdoor activities with their active golden retriever.
Cassie Swayne, CNM always knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and discovered her passion for labor and delivery early on. She has a deep appreciation for natural birth and finds joy in guiding patients through the entire process.
“Pregnancy affects everyone in unique ways. My goal is to meet patients where they are, listen to their needs, and provide a personalized experience that best supports them,” Cassie explains.
“I cherish the relationships I build with mothers throughout their pregnancy,” Cassie shares. “The process of birth and delivery is something I love. It’s a beautiful experience to help families welcome their babies into the world, and I’m honored to be a part of that journey as their midwife.”
Cassie earned her Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in Versailles, Kentucky, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. In her free time, she enjoys RV camping, kayaking, traveling, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and four-year-old son. Swayne is also passionate about helping underserved communities through mission trips.
Differences in OB/GYNs and Certified Nurse Midwives
While both OB/GYNs and certified midwives have the same goal, their approach is different. OB-GYNs are skilled in performing C-sections and other surgical procedures. Certified Nurse Midwives are experts in normal deliveries and use a more holistic, hands-on approach to manage pain and anxiety during labor and delivery. Because Seasons midwives deliver in the hospital, they also have access to technology and pain medications that you may need.
Is a Midwife Right for You?
Natural Childbirth: If you want a natural delivery, a midwife personalizes a birthing plan based on your preferences. You may want to move around. A midwife recognizes that every labor and delivery is different. So, your plan will adapt to your needs throughout your birthing experience.
Pain Medication: Midwives are known for their pain management techniques for patients preferring no medication. Massage oils, varying positions, birthing balls, breathing exercises and many other techniques can help control your pain. Your midwife can order pain medication or even an epidural if you change your mind.
Labor Support: A midwife offers a lot of support during labor and delivery. Because they aren’t seeing many different types of patients, they can spend more time with you. They empower you to try different approaches as your needs change.
Prenatal Education: Knowledge is power when deciding about your birth plan. A midwife spends extra time to answer questions and help you explore your options. They have resources to help you gather information so you can decide what’s best for you. Even if you already have a child, you’ll learn new things that can reduce anxiety.
Flexible Approach: Midwives take a more personalized approach. They strive to support you emotionally and physically throughout your birthing experience. You’re in the driver’s seat, so your birthing plan is always adaptable. If you prefer this approach, a midwife could be right for you.
Choose a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certification is important when choosing a midwife. Certified nurse midwives (CNM) are registered nurses who have graduate degrees in addition to completing midwifery education. The program must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Studies and experience include managing women in through pregnancy, labor and delivery. Certified nurse midwives also provide overall women’s healthcare, including postpartum and annual exams.