Barbara Graves

Barbara Graves, CNM, MN, MPH, FACNM, is a prominent professional in Health Science with a strong foundation in public health and nurse-midwifery. She earned her Master of Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health in 1984 and was honored with the school's Distinguished Alumni Award for her achievements. Her academic credentials also include a Master of Nursing from Emory University, where she held a position as Assistant Professor in the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, and undergraduate education at Cornell University. Graves has built a distinguished career focused on midwifery education and clinical practice. She currently directs the Nurse-Midwifery Education Program at Baystate Health in Springfield, Massachusetts, mentoring future certified nurse-midwives and contributing to women's health services in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her long tenure at Baystate Midwifery and Women's Health underscores her commitment to advancing midwifery standards.

Graves' research specializations encompass evidence-based midwifery practices, maternal obesity management, iron supplementation during pregnancy, continuing competency assessment for midwives, and the fetal-to-newborn transition. Notable publications include "A Conservative Approach to Iron Supplementation During Pregnancy" (Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 2001); "The Past, Present, and Future of Assessing Continuing Competency in Midwifery: Results of a Delphi Study" (Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 2009); "Maternal Body Mass Index, Delivery Route, and Induction of Labor in a Midwifery Caseload" (2006); "Evidence-Based Practices for the Fetal to Newborn Transition"; "Newborn Transition" (2013); and a book chapter "Respiratory Conditions" (2011). These works, hosted in Baystate Health's scholarly repository, highlight her impact on clinical guidelines and education. In professional leadership, she served as President and Treasurer of the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), contributing to certification standards, and holds Fellowship status with the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). In 2024, Baystate Health established an endowed fund in her honor, along with Susan DeJoy and Christine Nuger, to perpetuate excellence in midwifery education. Through these endeavors, Graves has profoundly influenced Health Science by elevating midwifery practice, research, and professional development.

Professional Email: barbara.graves@bhs.org