Pictured left to right: Hui Chen, Clare Storck, CNM (holding baby Emma Chen) and Mingna Liu.

By Savath Yong

With an appropriately titled last name, Certified Nurse-Midwife Clare Storck of Somerville was on hand to deliver the 9000th baby born at The Midwives at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Weighing eight pounds, 14 ounces, Emma Chen of Quincy was born to Mingna Liu (mother) and Hui Chen (father) at 11:01 p.m. three weekends ago. Storck says this is a big milestone for the practice. Having opened in 1983, it is one of the oldest community hospital-based services in Greater Boston.

Growing up, Storck was always passionate about the idea of pregnancy and labor and by the age of 30 she knew she wanted to pursue the job full-time as a profession.  She wanted to be there for women before, during, and after delivery and went back to school to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife. Storck is also a postpartum massage therapist and a doula, one who provides non-medical support to women during labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Storck works 12-hour call shifts and a typical workweek includes two days in the office, where she sees patients from any point across their life span, women who are pregnant or are seeking to get pregnant.  She got involved with working for The Midwives at Mount Auburn because she was impressed by their low rates of caesarean sections and epidural induced labors performed at the practice. According to Storck, the average epidural rate at the hospital is 44 percent and the national average is 80-85 percent.  Their rate of children born by C-section is 17-18 percent and the national average is from 30-35 percent.  She feels this is how she wanted to practice as a midwife and believes women should have options during an intimidating and vulnerable time in their lives.

While the Midwives at Mount Auburn Hospital delivered their 9000th baby, Storck is excited that she is closing in on her 100th delivery.  “I love my job. It’s so rewarding and fulfilling, even though there are times when it can be challenging. But the excitement of handing Emma’s parents her 9000th baby shirt reminds me why I love my job. The midwifery services set our practice apart because we are a small community hospital serving families in Cambridge, Somerville and surrounding areas. Our patients love the small community feel and says it adds a personal touch to their experience.”

The Midwives at Mount Auburn Hospital is made up of 21 midwives led by Robyn Churchill, CNM, Director of Midwifery Services. For more information on the Midwives at Mount Auburn Hospital please visit www.mamah.org.