When I decided to become a nurse, I knew I wanted to work in labor and delivery. After graduating with a nursing degree from the College of St. Scholastica, I did just that in my hometown of Marshall, Minnesota. I had only been there a few years before deciding I wanted to further my practice. This took me to The University of California, San Francisco to earn my Master of Science degree in nursing, specializing in midwifery. I then worked as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico for the next six years.
When the opportunity to work at Aspirus St. Luke’s presented itself, I was ready to come back home to Minnesota. As a CNM at Aspirus St. Luke’s, I have the honor of working with women, not only through pregnancy, but throughout their lifespan, in a community-focused setting. Aspirus St. Luke’s and Duluth in general have always felt like home to me. I hope to provide that same comforting feeling to expectant mothers.
For me, that means helping families understand that pregnancy is a normal, natural part of life. Mothers can face a range of emotions, from excitement to apprehension, throughout their pregnancies. Helping women recognize that all of these emotions are to be expected, and that everyone experiences pregnancy differently, is part of my job. Together, we can navigate this exciting time and make sure you are understood and respected.
As a midwife, my priority is to respect your decisions. That doesn’t mean labor has to be 100% natural for every mom. One of the common misconceptions about midwives is that you have to deliver at home with no interventions. One of the great things about being part of Aspirus St. Luke’s is that you can deliver in a hospital with a midwife, and have access to any of the resources available — whether you want to take advantage of them or not. The choices are completely up to you.
Delivering in a hospital also means you can have a midwife even with higher risk pregnancies. I work alongside an incredible OB-GYN team, who can co-manage patients with me if needed.
Beyond pregnancy, I also enjoy working one-on-one with women to help them decide which choices are smart and healthy for their bodies and their lives. Women are often the main decision makers for their families, so the healthy lifestyles they choose have the power to positively impact the entire family.
To make an appointment with Amanda St. Aubin
Aspirus St. Luke’s Birthing Center is located in Duluth, MN, with Aspirus St. Luke’s clinics in the surrounding region, including Superior, WI. To schedule a tour of Aspirus St. Luke’s Birthing Center, call 218.249.5605.
