CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) — The Sentara Albemarle Medical Center’s new midwife program delivered its first baby since its launch.

After a 17-hour natural birth, baby Selah Ker was born on Feb. 8.

“It is awfully painful,” said mom Ali Ker. “However, having a good midwife can change everything and having somebody who knows how women’s bodies work actually helps to enjoy the process.”

The hospital hired its first midwife, Beth Uzzle, who delivered the baby, and they are recruiting three additional midwives. The team of four will work side-by-side with physicians to deliver babies at the medical center in Elizabeth City, a release states.

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