Maddie Cole Reese, Class of 2010

Certified Nurse-Midwife

1. Can you give a brief description of what you do? As a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), I provide care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period; sexual and reproductive health; gynecologic health; and family planning services, including preconception care. Midwives also provide primary care for individuals from adolescence throughout the lifespan as well as care for the healthy newborn during the first 28 days of life. CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). To become a CNM, registered nurses must graduate from an accredited master’s or higher-level nurse-midwifery education program and pass a national exam. With our unique skill sets, midwives help improve quality, decrease costs, and serve as excellent advocates for patients.
2. What made you want to become a midwife? After graduating from Oldfields, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to care for, educate, and work with others, particularly women, and it took me some time to realize I could do all those things through nursing. During my maternity rotation in nursing school, a nurse-midwife attended the first birth I ever saw. I was hooked that very moment and every day since then, I have continued to learn and love this vocation.
3. What did you learn at Oldfields that you still use in your life today? Two things have really stuck with me since my time at Oldfields. First, is the school motto Fortezza, Umilitade, e Largo Core—Courage, Humility, and Largeness of Heart. This motto is the foundation on which I have built much of who I am. It is very much a part of the way I practice midwifery and live my life. The second is to never stop learning and always ask questions. Oldfields taught me to always be open to new ways of thinking and learning new things, especially the ones that make you step out of your comfort zone.
4. What do you miss most about Oldfields? I miss living in such a beautiful place. No matter the season, the Oldfields campus is always beautiful, and I always appreciated the peace it offered. I miss the people, especially those who inspired and challenged me. My four years at Oldfields are some of my favorite memories. My Oldfields education, the people, and the memories I made there, are all close to my heart. I know I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without them.