Shortage of OB-GYN Specialists in Mississippi.

Meridian, MS - Studies have shown that not only is the state of Mississippi ranked one of the highest for infant Mortality, but that there is also a lack in OB-GYN Specialist.

“So, an OB-GYN is a trained doctor who provided medical care to women throughout their lifespans.” says Brittany Powe

Brittany Powe is a Certified Nurse Midwife at the Center for Pregnancy Choices in Meridian and feels the shortage in OB-GYN specialists can be a result of many factors. “Physicians are burnt out, tired, they have a lot of patients and a lot of things going on.”

She also notices the impact the shortage has had on the local area. “We only have six OB-GYN’s as of right now, that has changed drastically since over the last couple of years.”

As the shortage in the state could limit the access to healthcare for mothers, Brittany encourages mothers to seek help from a Midwife. “We help them during their parenting journey, pregnancy journey, kind of approaching things in a holistic way. We do Material supply or material drop offs, we have support groups for our moms, we do childbirth education, we have a lot of resources that parents can tap into.”

Although there may be a shortage of OB-GYN in the State of Mississippi, the CPC says that for those expecting mothers, or those in need, there are other ways to help them.