LEWISTON – Nurse-midwives practicing at Women’s Health Associates in Lewiston and in communities across the nation will be saluted Oct. 5 to 11, as nurses, physicians, clients and the public celebrate the contributions of certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives make to the health and well-being of women and families.

Women’s Health Associates plans to increase public awareness of Nurse-Midwifery Week through a full week of festivities beginning Monday, Oct. 6.

“Midwife means ‘with woman,’ and that includes the whole woman. Hopefully though our activities this week, we can educate, inform and empower women in the Greater Lewiston/Auburn area,” said Kayt Demerchant, Club W! coordinator at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Nurse-Midwifery Week is supported by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, its members, physicians and women’s health organizations across the nation. Visit www.midwife.org for more information. For more information about local midwives, visit www.communityclinicalservices.com.

Among the local events planned for the week at the Corrine Croteau Lepage Women’s Health Pavilion:

“Waterbirth: The Gentle Choice” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, Fleet Room; Gillis, CNM, and Jean Kahn, CNM.

Birthday party at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, Women’s Health Pavilion. Celebrating the third birthday of the pavilion. All babies born from October 2000 to the present and their families are invited to join the celebration. Cake and ice cream will be served.

“Introduction to the Enneagram” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, Lobby Conference Room, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. The enneagram is a system that analyzes personality types and emphasizes a balance of mind, body and spirit in personal growth. Jean Dowling, CNM, will facilitate.

“Mothers-Once-Were-Daughters Tea” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, Fleet Room. A gathering of mothers and daughters to discuss the wonders (and frustrations) of growing up and becoming a woman. Barbara Smith-Foy, CNM, will facilitate.

“Painting the Landscape: A Guide for Senior Wellness” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, Resident’s Dining Room, d’Youville Pavilion. Exploring well-woman care through stages of life, certified nurse midwives will help describe the landscape of health and wellness after 50 and provide supportive strategies for women and their loved ones. Jean Kahn, CNM, and Barbara Smith-Foy, CNM, will facilitate.

Reserve a spot at the free events by calling 777-4000. For more information about Women’s Health Associates call 777-4300.