Choose Your Care: Trinity Health Livonia Offers Nurse Midwives
May 5, 2025
Photo: Yost Family
Women have a lot of decisions to make when they’re pregnant — and one of them is: Would you like to use a midwife? Since 2022, women who received care at Trinity Health Livonia have had access to the hospital’s Midwife Program.
What is a midwife? 
Nurse midwives provide a full range of well-woman gynecological care beginning at menstruation and can continue throughout a woman’s entire lifespan. Nurse midwives are first trained as registered nurses. There are different types of midwives, a certified nurse midwife is the highest level of midwives. “I am a registered nurse and I have additional education, including a Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery,” said Nicole Sekulich, CNM, BSN, RN, site clinical director for Trinity Health IHA Medical Group.
“Trinity Health Livonia has very high standards for nurse midwives,” said Susanne Archer, MD, FACOG, site medical director of Trinity Health IHA Livonia, Westland, and Farmington Hills; and physician liaison for Trinity Health Livonia nurse midwives. “Our midwives provide evidence-based, compassionate, high-quality care. They are very hands-on throughout the entire birthing process. The midwives evaluate their patients in triage and are there when they leave the birth center, as well. Their engagement throughout the birth process is commendable.”
Why choose a midwife?
Women deserve options for different levels of care. If a pregnancy is considered to be low-risk, they may choose nurse midwifery care.
“I chose to use a midwife for my delivery because I wanted a personal, relationship-based approach to my care — and that’s exactly what I got,” said Jessica Yost, a patient of Sekulich’s. “From the very beginning, I felt seen, heard, and truly understood at every office visit. I never felt rushed, and I always felt comfortable asking questions. Over time, I built strong relationships with the midwives, and that connection made all the difference when it came time to give birth.”
Midwife deliveries happen at the Trinity Health Birth Center, in Livonia. “If a complication arises for a patient, then the team works with Dr. Archer or other physicians on the care team,” said Sekulich. “The patient will always receive safe care that is appropriate.”
Nurse midwives use different methods of pain relief during labor. Some pain relief options could include essential oils, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit or pressure therapy. “Patients may choose to get an epidural, but they are offered additional options as well, which is important for informed patient care,” said Dr. Archer.
“The birthing experience is one of the most challenging yet beautiful things I’ve ever done, and I’m so incredibly grateful to have had the midwives by my side through it all,” said Yost. “I saw my midwives often both in the office and in the hospital. Their support and presence made me feel safe, empowered, and cared for every step of the way. I wholeheartedly recommend anyone seeking compassionate and skilled care to see them.”
Last year there were nearly 1,000 births at Trinity Health Livonia. Since adding the nurse midwives, volume has grown substantially. This year the team is anticipating nearly 20% of births will use a nurse midwife at the hospital.
Why choose the Trinity Health Birth Center - Livonia?
The hospital is nestled in a small community, creating an intimate birth center. “We have high quality physicians, nurse midwives, nurses and 24/7 neo-natal nurse practitioners — that’s not usually the case for community hospitals,” said Dr. Archer. “We care for many of our own families — another reason patients should feel comfortable and safe delivering here.”
Many patients appreciate having the same room for the birthing experience and postpartum (after birth). All of anesthesia is available to patients, including epidural, 24/7 coverage on the unit, and soaking tubs to ease labor pain. Recently, an anonymous donor generously gave $25,000 to support amenities for the birth experience through the Miracle of Life Fund at Trinity Health Livonia.
“My experience at the birth center was incredible,” said Samantha Philips, a patient of Dr. Archer’s. “All of the staff were so attentive to my needs. I was able to use the breastfeeding services that were available to me. A lactation nurse came to my room to make sure my baby had a good latch and addressed my concerns. I also loved staying in one room for my entire stay.
“I felt very safe at the birth center,” said Phillips. “I recommend the Trinity Health Livonia Birth Center to all my friends and family who are pregnant! I feel so blessed to have had the experience I did there.”
Let’s plan your birth experience together — call for an appointment with a certified nurse midwife at: 734-884-5335. Find an OB-GYN near you at: TrinityHealthMichigan.org.