6 TexasHealthMansfield.org Midwives vs. obstetricians: Different paths, shared purpose Healthy, happy goals for 2026 Set clear, doable goals. Instead of “I’ll exercise more,” you might start by committing to a 15-minute walk after dinner on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for the next four weeks. “Even though it might be small, it’s a step in the right direction,” Dr. Ricky says. “Consistency, not perfection, leads to results.” Tell your provider about your wellness goals. “My role is to walk alongside you on whatever journey you want to be on,” Dr. Ricky says. Instead of New Year’s resolutions, try making these sustainable choices for your health. Schedule an annual checkup. Wellness visits with your primary care provider (PCP) help keep you healthy. “These visits help us catch health problems that might be starting to develop, like high blood pressure, diabetes or even cancer,” says Family Medicine Physician Ricardo Chujutalli, MD, or Dr. Ricky, as his patients call him. Prioritize movement. Walking regularly is a good way to start! Invest in your mental health. Try practicing mindfulness or seeking counseling. “I recommend carving out a moment to pause and reflect,” Dr. Ricky says. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and obstetricians share a goal: to ensure safe, healthy outcomes for women and babies. A key difference between the two providers is their training and focus of care. Midwives are licensed advanced practice providers with graduate- or doctorate-level training in both nursing and midwifery. They provide women’s healthcare throughout their lifespan and focus on low- to moderate-risk pregnancies and the natural birthing process. Obstetricians are physicians trained in the medical model of care. They also provide comprehensive women’s healthcare, have expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies and are trained to perform surgeries. Mutual support “Midwives are especially recognized for delivering personalized, holistic care,” says Kamren Brozovic, DNP, APRN, CNM. OB-GYNs are also very in tune with helping women choose the care that feels right for them, Kamren notes. “And they are just as comfortable with low intervention as we are,” she says. “And we are comfortable talking to them when we need extra support.” In other words, both midwives and obstetricians are excellent choices for safe, expert care! It’s all about your preferences. Need a midwife in your corner? Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Brozovic to learn more about Kamren. Need help getting started? Dr. Chujutalli is accepting new patients. Visit TexasHealth Mansfield.org/Chujutalli to schedule an appointment.
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