Q & A with Hurley Midwives

We had a chance to sit down with 3 midwives from Hurley Medical Center. We dug to get answers that many of us have about women’s health and midwives. I was surprised by some of the things I learned.

Dr. Brown is a certified nurse-midwife who has worked with Hurley Midwifery for almost two years. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Eastern Michigan University in 1999, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on nurse-midwifery and a Doctorate of nursing practice from Frontier Nursing University. Jennifer enjoys all of the gifts that living in Michigan has to offer. She is especially grateful for her loving and supportive husband and two children, Isabelle and Sienna. Her professional interests include fertility consultation, perinatal depression, menopause, and empowering women across their lifespan.

How do midwives help moms-to-be?

Midwives provide kind, compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic care. We offer moms-to-be preconception mindfulness, optimal pregnancy attention, and deep respect for physiologic birth that promotes positive birth experiences and postpartum well-being. Our team is committed to empowering women throughout lifecycle events, supporting and advocating for them as they navigate the ever-changing healthcare system.

Lyric is a certified nurse-midwife affiliated with Hurley Medical Center. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Michigan- Flint and a Master of Science in nursing from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor. Lyric also received specialty training with a clinical faculty appointment through Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. She is certified in neonatal resuscitation, advanced cardio life support, and OB limited ultrasound.

When did you know you wanted to be in health care? 

As a child, I was fascinated by pregnancy and the miracle of a new baby. I loved to talk to pregnant ladies and hear how they were feeling, etc. When I was in college and figuring out my life, I had a guidance counselor who told me about the certified nurse-midwife track. I researched the profession and felt like it was perfect for me. I’ve loved this job ever since. I’m especially thankful that I can have such a rewarding career and be a wife and mother of four delightful children.

What is the most rewarding thing about your profession? 

I am honored to be included in the most beautiful and intimate time for a family. I have been humbled to work with people during the most lovely and tragic times in their lives. I look forward to going to work and finish each day feeling like I’ve done God’s work. When your job is your vocation it does not feel like work. I have to add how much I love having students. I’ve been able to interact with a medical, nursing, nurse practitioner and PA students in this role. I am thankful for the opportunity to “pay it forward” in honor of all the people who have taught me through the years.

What is your number one piece of health advice?   

I advocate for pregnant ladies to receive chiropractic care, which can alleviate so many discomforts without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Also, make sure you drink enough water! Dehydration causes so many preventable problems.

Dajai is a certified nurse-midwife with Hurley Midwifery. She attended the University of Michigan where she earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing. During her undergraduate years, she volunteered as a doula with the Doulas Care program. Upon graduation, she worked as a registered nurse at Hutzel Women’s Hospital on the postpartum unit. While she enjoyed assisting moms as they transitioned to motherhood, she had a strong desire to work in labor and delivery. 

In 2017, Dajai earned her Master of Science in nursing, specializing in midwifery. She has a variety of unique clinical experiences that have shaped her practice as a midwife. She studied abroad in Uganda for a month, where she worked closely with midwives, gaining additional insight on physiologic birth while working with underserved populations. In addition to working with the Hurley midwives, Dajai also works as a certified nurse-midwife in Southfield, MI. Out of both practices, she gives all of her patients individualized care. With a philosophy that emphasizes patient- and family-centered care, she strives to build interpersonal relationships and is excited to welcome new patients.

Published in Kudos magazine 5.3