Tiffany Williams, CNM

10/11/2026

🤰💜 STRIPPING MEMBRANES IN PREGNANCY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

As you approach your due date, you may hear your provider mention stripping membranes as one option to help your body prepare for labor. But what exactly does it mean, and is it right for you?

Let’s talk about the evidence, the benefits, and what to expect! 👇

✨ WHAT IS A MEMBRANE SWEEP?

A membrane sweep, also called stripping membranes, is an in-office procedure performed during a cervical exam. If your cervix is open enough, your provider gently sweeps a gloved finger around the inside of the cervix to separate the amniotic sac membranes from the lower part of the uterus.

This stimulates the release of natural prostaglandins, hormones that help soften the cervix and may encourage labor to begin.

Your water is not intentionally broken, and no medication is required.

📅 WHEN MIGHT IT BE OFFERED?

A membrane sweep may be considered when:
• You are approaching or past your due date.
• You are at term and would like to discuss options for encouraging spontaneous labor.
• You and your provider have discussed the benefits, risks, and alternatives.
• Your pregnancy and cervical findings make the procedure appropriate.

It is an optional intervention, not something you have to agree to simply because you are having a cervical exam.

💜 WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS?

Research reviewed by professional organizations, including ACOG, suggests membrane sweeping may:
• Increase the likelihood of spontaneous labor beginning.
• Reduce the likelihood of needing a formal induction of labor.
• Help labor begin without medication or a scheduled hospital induction in some pregnancies.

However, results vary. A membrane sweep does not guarantee labor will start, and it does not reliably prevent the need for an induction.

⚠️ WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS?

Common, generally short-lived effects include:
• Cramping or period-like discomfort.
• Irregular contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Light spotting or bloody show.
• Temporary discomfort during the examination.

Occasionally, the procedure may be unsuccessful or your water may break. Infection is a concern to consider, although serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is appropriately performed.

Membrane sweeping may not be appropriate in certain circumstances, including placenta previa or situations in which vaginal examination is contraindicated. Your provider should review your individual pregnancy history before proceeding.

🌿 WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT AFTER A SWEEP?

You may experience mild cramping, irregular contractions, or some spotting for the next day or two. Some people go into labor soon afterward; others notice no change at all.

You can generally continue your normal activities as tolerated, unless your provider gives you different instructions.

Contact your labor and delivery team promptly if you experience:
🚩 Heavy vaginal bleeding
🚩 A gush or ongoing trickle of fluid
🚩 Fever or feeling acutely unwell
🚩 Decreased fetal movement
🚩 Regular, painful contractions according to your birth team’s instructions

If you have heavy bleeding or decreased fetal movement, do not wait for your next appointment.

🤍 MOST IMPORTANTLY: YOU HAVE A CHOICE.

You can ask questions, request more information, decline the procedure, or decide to wait. A membrane sweep should be offered through shared decision-making, with consideration of your preferences, pregnancy, and birth goals.

As midwives, our goal is not simply to get labor started. It is to help you understand your options, support physiologic birth when appropriate, and make informed decisions that prioritize the health and well-being of both you and your baby.

Every pregnancy is different, and there is no single right choice for everyone. 💜

📚 Evidence-based information: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). Ask your provider how current evidence and your individual circumstances apply to your care.

10/06/2026

💜 The Pill Is About More Than Pregnancy Prevention

One of the conversations I have with patients is about the hesitancy that can come with starting an oral contraceptive.

And honestly? I understand it.

Any medication that affects your hormones deserves a thoughtful conversation about why you’re taking it, what benefits you may expect, potential risks, and whether it is actually the right choice for YOU.

But here’s something I think gets overlooked:

Oral contraceptives aren’t always prescribed primarily for contraception.

Sometimes we use hormonal contraception as a treatment tool.

Depending on the individual, combined oral contraceptives can help with:

✨ More predictable menstrual cycles
✨ Lighter menstrual bleeding
✨ Iron-deficiency anemia related to heavy periods
✨ Menstrual cramps and endometriosis-related pain
✨ PMS/PMDD symptoms
✨ Acne
✨ Functional ovarian cysts
✨ Reducing the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer
✨ And several other gynecologic conditions

That means the conversation isn’t always simply:

“Do you want birth control?”

Sometimes it is:

“What is your body doing that we are trying to treat?”

At the same time, oral contraceptives are NOT for everyone. This is why an individualized medical history matters before prescribing.

🚨 A quick look at the CDC U.S. MEC

The CDC’s 2024 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) classifies medical conditions according to the safety of specific contraceptive methods.

Category 3: The risks usually outweigh the benefits.
Category 4: The method represents an unacceptable health risk and should not be used.

For combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogen + progestin), including combined oral contraceptives, important Category 3/4 situations include:

🔴 Smoking age ≥35

*

09/22/2026

Such a blessing to work these two gems.

But what’s even better is the the fact that we work with two amazing and supportive physicians that allow us care for our patients the way we do.

This APP Week, we’re proud to recognize Tiffany Williams, CNM; Cadie McDowell, NP; and Haleigh Held, WHNP, for the compassionate, personalized care they provide to women in our community.

From preventive gynecologic care and well-woman exams to family planning, prenatal care, adolescent gynecology and more, Tiffany, Cadie and Haleigh are committed to providing evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s individual needs and goals.

This December, they’ll continue that commitment at the new Women and Infants Center, providing comprehensive women’s health care in a new space dedicated to serving women and growing families.

Join us in celebrating Tiffany, Cadie and Haleigh this APP Week and thanking them for the care they provide every day! 💙

09/01/2026

https://www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com/obituaries/tambra-tammy-mcbeth

08/26/2026

My Mom 🤍✝️

This morning, my world changed forever.

My precious mother passed away, and there are no words that truly capture the weight of that sentence.

For the past several months, my family and I have walked through illness, uncertainty, countless prayers, long nights, hospital rooms, and moments when all we could do was hold on to faith. I am grateful beyond words for every person who prayed for my mother, checked on us, brought food, offered encouragement, or simply reminded us that we were not walking this road alone.

As a healthcare provider, I have spent my career caring for others and helping families through some of their most vulnerable moments. But being on the other side of that experience—being the daughter sitting beside her mother—is something entirely different. There were moments when I had answers, and moments when I had none. There were things medicine could do, and things only God could do.

Today, I am choosing to believe that God has answered the prayer I prayed so many times: that my mother would no longer suffer.

My heart is broken, but I am thankful. Thankful for her life. Thankful for her love. Thankful for the lessons she taught me. Thankful for every laugh, every conversation, every memory, and every ordinary moment that I now realize was anything but ordinary.

To my patients and my professional community: thank you for your patience, grace, prayers, and understanding during these past difficult weeks. I may not have always been able to show up the way I normally do, but I have been doing my best to navigate being a daughter while continuing to be the provider my patients depend on.

Today, I am simply her daughter.

And I am going to miss my mama more than words can ever say.

Until we meet again, Mama.
I love you. 🤍

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” — Revelation 21:4

08/20/2026

Sharing because I get asked about this all the time.

💛 Antenatal Hand Expression of Colostrum

Have you heard of antenatal hand expression?

Antenatal hand expression involves collecting small amounts of colostrum during pregnancy, usually beginning around 36-37 weeks gestation, after discussing it with your healthcare provider.

🌟 What is colostrum? Colostrum is your baby's first milk. It is rich in antibodies, nutrients, and immune-protective factors that help support your newborn during the first days of life.

Benefits of Antenatal Colostrum Collection

🤱 May provide stored colostrum if baby needs supplementation after birth

🤱 Can be especially helpful for parents with: • Diabetes during pregnancy • Planned cesarean births • Multiple gestation pregnancies • Certain maternal or infant health conditions

🤱 Helps parents become familiar with hand expression before baby arrives

🤱 May increase confidence with breastfeeding in the early postpartum period

Important Reminder

Antenatal hand expression is not appropriate for everyone.

Certain pregnancy conditions may increase the risk of preterm labor or make antenatal expression unsafe. Always discuss with your healthcare provider or IBCLC before starting.

Need Guidance?

If you're pregnant and would like to learn: ✅ How to hand express colostrum ✅ When to start ✅ How to safely collect and store colostrum ✅ Whether it's right for your pregnancy

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help you create a plan that supports your feeding goals before your baby arrives.

💙 Preparing for breastfeeding begins before birth, and having the right information can make all the difference.

💙🤱

08/20/2026

Last night, I laid awake with my eyes closed, having some serious conversations with God. And by “conversations,” I mean I gave Him a fifty-eleven-hour prayer that probably covered every topic known to mankind. 😂

Honestly, if I were on the receiving end of my prayer, I probably would’ve said, “Ma’am… respectfully… hush your mouth and GO TO BED.” 😂

But God isn’t like me.

He doesn’t get tired of hearing us. He doesn’t grow weary while we pour out our hearts. He doesn’t check the clock, sigh, or wonder when we’re finally going to wrap it up.

He listens.

Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.”

And 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

So I talked. And talked. And probably talked some more.

And today… some of those prayers were answered. 🙏🏼

Today was a MUCH better day. A day with a little more peace, a little more hope, a few answered prayers… and ICE CREAM. 🍦

And honestly, I feel like God knew I needed that last part too. 😂

Sometimes the answer doesn’t come exactly when or how we want it. Sometimes it comes quietly, one little blessing at a time. But today, I was reminded that God is still listening, still working, and still right there—even in the middle of the nights when all I can do is close my eyes and talk to Him.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” — Psalm 34:18

Tonight, I’m going to try something different.

Less fifty-eleven hours of talking.

More trusting.

And maybe… a little sleep. ❤️ 🧎‍♀️‍➡️🛌

Today was a good day. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

08/19/2026

I believe in being transparent with my patients, and I wanted to share a personal update with you.

As many of you know, my mother has been ill for the past few months. Over the last several weeks, her health has deteriorated quickly, and she is currently in the ICU. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional time for my family, and I am doing my best to balance being there for my mom and continuing to be there for my patients.

I plan to be in clinic and caring for my patients as much as possible during this time. However, I also ask for your understanding if appointments need to be rescheduled or if my availability is occasionally limited. I sincerely apologize to anyone who has experienced an unexpected change or inconvenience with their appointment.

One of the greatest blessings during this difficult season has been the kindness and understanding of my patients. I am incredibly grateful to each of you who has been patient, supportive, and understanding—and especially to those of you who have remembered my mom and my family in your prayers.

As a healthcare provider, I spend so much of my time caring for others. Right now, my family needs a little care and grace, too.

Thank you for allowing me the space to be both your provider and a daughter walking through a very difficult chapter with her mom. Your compassion means more to me than you know. ❤️🙏

With gratitude,
Tiffany, CNM

08/12/2026

08/07/2026

Excuse me while I go cry a little.

My baby boy graduated from college today and this momma heart is so full of pride and joy.