Sara's Story

Why I became a Nurse-midwife?

Sara with her nieces & nephews

I have always been fascinated with women’s health and childbirth. I remember even in high school, watching many birth stories. At that time, I had no interest in even becoming a nurse. As the years past, and being witness to my nieces (Sofia-11, Maria-10, Lisa -5) and Nephews (Michael-3, Paul-1) births, my passion grew. I worked my way through nursing school, and did several types of nursing from long term care facility to a busy emergency room and finally labor and delivery. I had just started midwifery school when my first nephew was born, and finished the week before my second nephew was born.

Being present at my youngest nephew Paul’s birth was a lot different than the others. I had experience and knowledge that made me feel that I could watch over my sister-in-law better. We were able to respect her wishes while assisting in the safe arrival of her son. I would have liked to catch Mr. Paul, but his momma had me in a headlock. Luckily that doesn’t happen every birth!

I feel lucky to have learned about pregnancy and childbirth simultaneously from both the Medical and the Midwifery Model of Care. The Midwifery Model of Care views pregnancy and birth as physiologic (normal and natural) not pathologic (disease). Pregnancy and birth can become pathologic, this is why you have a Certified Nurse-Midwife to identify when that line is crossed and refer you to a physician. Physicians and medicine are occasionally required to ensure the safety of mom and baby when a pathologic issue presents. 

I have been witness to many interventional births, as well, as physiologic births. There is nothing more beautiful than a physiologic birth. There are times that interventions are necessary for the health of the mother or the baby. I have learned to discuss options with the mother and family about why her birth has fallen off the “normal” labor curve. This discussion includes: what her options are and what EVIDENCE BASED interventions might be necessary. And then I accompany her through what comes next. Mothers need to feel valued, empowered and understand their choices.

When I graduated midwifery school, I searched for a place to be able to provide safe, evidence based Midwifery Model of Care. That search brought me to Goshen Birth Center and the Fairhaven OBGYN midwife practice. I am a part of a team of five Certified Nurse Midwives. Our team has a variety of skills, experience and knowledge. We have very supportive physicians that respect the Midwife Model of Care and the birth center. I’m glad to be a part of a birth culture that respects and encourages women’s bodies to do what they were made to do. In my work as a midwife I want to help women maintain physiologic health and birth as much as possible.

About Sara: Sara Linkey CNM is now settled into her home in the countryside of Elkhart County where she lives with her husband Justin and their two dogs Beau & Teddy. Pictured is Sara with her nieces and nephews. She is grateful she was able bear witness to each of their births and welcome them earth-side.