Kelsea Rush, CNM

What is your practice philosophy? My practice philosophy is to understand that we all walk in different shoes. As a provider, I strive to use evidence-based practice to develop a plan of care that works for my patient and their individual needs. I believe listening is my greatest responsibility.   

What are you passionate about? And why? I am passionate about what it means to choose to be—or not to be—a mother. I’ve had the opportunity to watch women become mothers. I’ve watched NICU moms say goodbye to their babes and mourn the loss of their dreams; I’ve watched immigrant women birth their first babes in the U.S.; I’ve watched women place their babes in someone else’s arms to raise and the making of a new mother; I’ve seen women with their first babes and women grieve the loss of motherhood; I’ve witnessed the visceral change that comes when women embark on the journey—or choose not—to become moms. I’m so thankful for the many women who’ve guided my way and the many women who’ve allowed me to care for them as new mothers and trusted me with their babes.  

If I wasn’t a provider, I would be a: I love trying new things. I can think of so many careers that would be so fun. I would love to be a travel writer or to renovate old homes.  

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? Nursing and Midwifery was my second career after working in journalism and public relations. I decided to pursue this path after my second son was born and I heard myself telling my nurse that I always wanted to be a nurse and midwife. Maternity leave gave me time to research my path and here I am! 

Something I have learned from my patients is: Women are strong. I have witnessed their strength in their stories, in their actions, in the way they carry themselves, and in the way they carry others.  I am so lucky and proud to be a part of the lives of so many women from the start of menstruation through menopause.