Certified Nurse-Midwives Complement Magnolia Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Array of Patient Care Options

Nurse-Midwifery now complements the array of patient care options available to women through Magnolia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Hammond. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Certified Nurse-Midwives are nationally certified, state-licensed advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in providing practical, hands-on obstetric assistance and guidance. They are credentialed to work together with physicians in Louisiana to provide gynecological care to women of all ages, as well as obstetrical care for pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

“Our goal at Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology is to ensure a full range of care options are available and accessible to women at every stage of life,” affirms Kanna Page, North Oaks Health System’s vice president of primary and medical services. “We are excited to expand our collaborative care model to include nurse-midwifery because it provides us with another way to personalize care for our patients. From choosing the level of medical support and pain management desired during delivery to the types of providers present, we are committed to helping the women who entrust their care to us create special, memorable and safe childbirth experiences."

Making this new service possible are Certified Nurse-Midwives Jennifer Bonaventure and Amy Linn, who join Drs. Jaime M. Edwards, Kimberly N. Guillory and April A. Sandifer, and Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners Diane Rabalais and Julie Santangelo Ponder in practice.

A resident of Denham Springs, Jennifer Bonaventure comes to Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology with two years of prior experience as a certified nurse-midwife delivering at North Oaks Medical Center, as well as nine years of trauma and obstetrical nursing experience. Before becoming a certified nurse-midwife, she worked as a staff registered nurse on the Labor & Delivery Unit at North Oaks Medical Center for nine years. She received North Oaks Health System’s Nurse Excellence Award in August 2016.

Bonaventure graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. During clinicals, obstetrics quickly became her favorite rotation.

“As soon as I saw my first birth, I knew that obstetrics was where I was meant to be,” Bonaventure explains.

She went on to earn both a master’s degree in Nursing and doctorate in Nursing Practice through Frontier Nursing University based in Hyden, Kentucky. She is certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Her professional career also encompasses a short stint as an adjunct clinical instructor for entry level students of Delgado Community College’s Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans.

“As a certified nurse-midwife, I work hard to make sure my patients get the care they need and deserve at any stage of life,” affirms Bonaventure. “I especially love to work with women toward achieving healthy pregnancies and ideal birth experiences. Taking time to build relationships with my patients and anticipating their needs before they arise define my approach to patient care.”

Amy Linn of Ponchatoula has practiced as a certified nurse-midwife delivering at North Oaks Medical Center and various hospitals in Baton Rouge for 22 years. Her prior experience also includes eight years as an obstetrical nurse at North Oaks Medical Center.

Linn also graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, where during her final year she worked as a nurse tech on the Labor & Delivery Unit at North Oaks Medical Center. She accepted a position as a full-time staff registered nurse on the unit after graduation.

“Helping mothers through the labor and birth process was so gratifying that it made me want to expand my role and relationship with my patients,” Linn explains. “Nurse-midwifery offered the perfect solution.”

Linn is also certified in Nurse-Midwifery through Frontier Nursing University and is certified as a nurse-midwife by the American Midwifery Certification Board. She also holds a certificate as a first assist for Cesarean births through Colorado Surgical Assisting.

“Educating, supporting and forming a trusting relationship with my patients during their pregnancies is my goal as a provider,” Linn asserts. “It’s difficult to put into words the joy I feel when a patient can have her baby the way she desires and has prepared for throughout pregnancy.”

Linn has also consulted for Ochsner as a preceptor for medical, nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery students. Linn was recognized by Ochsner for leadership as an advanced practice provider in 2020.

Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology, a clinic of North Oaks Physician Group, provides care for women of all ages in all stages of life. The clinic is located at 15813 Paul Vega, M.D., Drive in Suite 200 of the North Oaks Clinic Building on the North Oaks Medical Center campus. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.