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.”

In the Blink of an Eye

In the Blink of an Eye

by Andrea Altomaro | May 01, 2022

As our midwives are reeling in the wake of the train crash, they are able to lean on one another for support as they band together to help the walking wounded.

The Call to Midwifery

The Call to Midwifery

by Andrea Altomaro | April 25, 2022

This episode spoke straight to my heart. It reminded me of why nursing and midwifery has been my passion for so many years.

A Midwife’s Loss, and A Child’s Bravery

A Midwife’s Loss, and A Child’s Bravery

by Andrea Altomaro | April 17, 2022

This week had two hard-hitting topics: abuse and pregnancy loss. This blog post will discuss both, so please exercise caution and consider skipping if this is too difficult to read about.

The Transformative Power of Birth and Parenting

The Transformative Power of Birth and Parenting

by Andrea Altomaro | April 10, 2022

Birth is always a transformative event. It can evoke the happiest emotions, or it can cause someone to relive a previous trauma.

No One Dies Alone on Our Watch

No One Dies Alone on Our Watch

by Andrea Altomaro | April 05, 2022

Seeing the compassion, love, and drive of the staff at Nonnatus house might not take away the mental exhaustion of working and parenting during a pandemic, but it does inspire me to keep on going.

The Importance of Trust in Health Care

The Importance of Trust in Health Care

by Andrea Altomaro | March 27, 2022

Midwives, nurses, and doctors are humans, too, and we are wrong sometimes. Being able to admit that, and then taking steps to rectify the situation are paramount to maintaining trust.

The Weight of Grief

The Weight of Grief

by Andrea Altomaro | March 20, 2022

Despite the passage of time, grief never goes away. It might be quieted in moments, moved from the forefront of one’s mind, over to the side, or tucked away in a corner, but it is always there.

A Call to Action

A Call to Action

by Andrea Altomaro | May 26, 2020

Trixie's words echoed down to the generations of midwives before her and the ones after her, and all to all of the health care providers who work with vulnerable, underserved populations.

I Believe in You

I Believe in You

by Andrea Altomaro | May 11, 2020

Here’s to Call the Midwife for accurately representing the work of midwives, bringing the knowledge of the midwifery model of care to the mainstream. Happy Nurses Week!

Surviving Trauma as a Health Care Provider

Surviving Trauma as a Health Care Provider

by Andrea Altomaro | May 04, 2020

I may feel overwhelmed, stretched in every direction between all of my responsibilities, but I’m so grateful for the mental escape each week as I tune in to Call the Midwife.

Midwifing the Soul’s Transitions

Midwifing the Soul’s Transitions

by Andrea Altomaro | April 27, 2020

Birth and death, the great transitions in life, hold such significance in the lives of the bystanders.

The Midwife’s Role as Educator

The Midwife’s Role as Educator

by Andrea Altomaro | April 20, 2020

I feel a sense of satisfaction each week after taking in a new episode of Call the Midwife when I can relate to the experiences of the midwives of Nonnatus House, and this week was no exception.