Gabrielle Chandler brings experience, expertise, and a friendly face to NorthShore Health Centers

Gabrielle Chandler recently joined NorthShore Health Centers’ Gary location as a certified nurse-midwife (CNM). 

“I see gynecological patients – from teens to 91 years of age – and obstetric patients,” said Chandler. “In obstetrics, I work with patients from preconception to postpartum.”

A CNM or midwife has a medical background, but their approach to health is slightly different than a traditional medical professional.

“As midwives, in the historical sense, we give patients a little more autonomy to figure things out,” Chandler said.  

Chandler earned her bachelor’s degree in community health from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She later earned her master’s degree in nursing at DePaul University and her doctorate degree in nursing practice in midwifery at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“I originally wanted to be a doctor and deliver babies,” she said. “Then, I really got into nursing and went into labor and delivery.”

While midwives can deliver in-home births, Chandler works strictly at NorthShore Health Centers’ Gary location. Chandler’s team includes two doctors and three other midwives. 

“I love my team,” Chandler said. “I love working with the doctors, the other midwives, and the patients. I love my role.”

Chandler has one son. As a mother herself, she relates to her patients in a very particular way. 

“The patients are wonderful,” Chandler said. “One of my favorite aspects of the job is making those bonds with patients, building that trust, and creating those relationships.”

About 90% of her patients are obstetric patients. Chandler regularly has a front row seat to the beauty of new life.

“It’s kind of surreal to witness how a baby grows and is ultimately born into the world,” Chandler said. “You’re coaching the mother through the pregnancy, and sometimes even before the pregnancy. Then when the baby is born, you’re like, ‘That’s what was in there!’”

One of Chandler’s most heartwarming experiences was when she was treating a patient who initially lost a baby 34 weeks into the pregnancy. Eventually, the mother became pregnant again and birthed a healthy baby. 

“Losing the baby at 34 weeks meant she had to give birth to the baby,” Chandler said. “It was a very difficult experience. When she successfully carried her next pregnancy full term and had a beautiful, healthy baby, it was such a happy moment.”

Prior to NorthShore Health Centers, Chandler worked in several hospitals and medical settings across the United States. These include Providence Swedish (Washington), Providence Little Company of Mary (California), Methodist Hospital of Sacramento (California), Silver Cross Hospital (Illinois), Advocate Trinity Hospital (Illinois), University of Chicago (Illinois), University of Washington (Washington), John Stroger Medical Center (Illinois), and St. Alexius Medical Center (Illinois). She also has several certifications and licenses including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and others.

“At NorthShore, the obstetrics and gynecology team is awesome,” said Chandler. “We work really well together, especially with me being new.”

Chandler’s passion for her patients, her team, and her overall work is no doubt an asset to NorthShore Health Centers.