Support provided by:

About The Author

Andrea Altomaro

Andrea Altomaro MS, CNM, IBCLC has been nurse-midwife since 2012 and is currently working for the Henry Ford Health System. Andrea knew from a young age that she was interested in pregnancy and birth, and decided to become a nurse. When she learned about the role of certified nurse midwives when she was in nursing school, she knew she had found her path.

Andrea graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and from the University of Michigan with a Master’s Degree in Science for Nurse-Midwifery. She practices full-scope midwifery care at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.

“I’m so grateful for all the families that allow me into their lives during their pregnancies and birthing times. It is so special to see the strength, power, and grace of the birthing person as they bring their babies into the world.”

Protecting a Patient’s Right To Autonomy

Protecting a Patient’s Right To Autonomy

by Andrea Altomaro | May 06, 2026

When we protect a patient’s right to autonomy, we are doing more than providing medical care. We are affirming their personhood.

Having the Courage To Speak the Unspoken

Having the Courage To Speak the Unspoken

by Andrea Altomaro | April 29, 2026

While I generally spend time while watching these episodes thinking about how the midwifery care is similar or different from my modern-day practice, this episode also made me think of my own family.

The Power of Relationships

The Power of Relationships

by Andrea Altomaro | April 22, 2026

This episode showed the power of those relationships — whether that’s a GP who knows every face in town, or a mother-in-law who knows her daughter-in-law well enough to sense when something is wrong.

The Weight of Our Words

The Weight of Our Words

by Andrea Altomaro | April 15, 2026

When you work in healthcare, the words you choose are never just “semantics.” They are clinical tools that can be as significant as any medication or procedure.

Midwifery as a Lifeline

Midwifery as a Lifeline

by Andrea Altomaro | April 08, 2026

Midwives usually see our patients at their highest points — the planned-for pregnancies and joyful news. But we also sit in the quiet, uncomfortable spaces where this news might not be a celebration.

Reclaiming the Labor Experience: Introducing the Epidural

Reclaiming the Labor Experience: Introducing the Epidural

by Andrea Altomaro | April 01, 2026

Today, the majority of women in the US give birth in a hospital with an epidural for pain relief. However, there is no “one size fits all” right answer in birth.

Not Just History

Not Just History

by Andrea Altomaro | March 25, 2026

In the 1971 Poplar, we see the ongoing “modernization” of healthcare, and the worry that some of these technological advances could start to replace the humanity found in midwifery care.

The Enduring Power of Compassion

The Enduring Power of Compassion

by Andrea Altomaro | May 21, 2025

How are we already at the end of Season 14?! The season finale gave us two exciting occasions to look forward to: Nancy’s wedding and Sister Catherine’s first vows!

Heartbreak and Hope

Heartbreak and Hope

by Andrea Altomaro | May 14, 2025

In healthcare today, we talk a lot about checking our implicit biases and realizing our own microaggressions, but how do we react when it’s the patient treating the nurse or midwife poorly?

Navigating Hostility: A New Normal in Healthcare

Navigating Hostility: A New Normal in Healthcare

by Andrea Altomaro | May 06, 2025

In healthcare today, we talk a lot about checking our implicit biases and realizing our own microaggressions, but how do we react when it’s the patient treating the nurse or midwife poorly?

Keep Reaching Out Your Hand

Keep Reaching Out Your Hand

by Andrea Altomaro | April 29, 2025

This episode highlights the vulnerability of pregnant women, and that healthcare providers need to be diligent about screening for abuse and intimate partner violence.

Saving Lives Then, and Debunking Myths Now: The Miracle of the Measles Vaccine

Saving Lives Then, and Debunking Myths Now: The Miracle of the Measles Vaccine

by Andrea Altomaro | April 24, 2025

Despite the delay in filming the season of Call the Midwife, the topics are always extremely relevant to our current timeline. This week was no different.