Hi, I’m Lacey. I’m a mom, Certified Nurse Midwife, and mindfulness advocate
Lacey Manimala headshot
My journey into maternal health is fueled by a profound commitment to advancing equity, a passion deeply rooted in my personal experiences.
Raised by a single mother in Mississippi, I learned early on how social vulnerability can profoundly influence an individual's life trajectory. At the age of 18, I moved to Chicago, a place that has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional life. My educational pursuits and diverse experiences here have enriched my understanding and furthered my dedication to women's health.

Over the last eight years, I've worked as a nurse in the OB emergency, labor & delivery, antepartum step-down, and postpartum units. Additionally, I have been a doula and had a home birth of my own. These experiences have formed my deep rooted belief that pregnancy and birth are sacred events.

 

Mission
Women are rightfully seeking alternatives to the unnecessary medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth.

I provide a supportive environment that minimizes interventions and empowers women to make decisions about their care.

I advocate for reproductive justice and am driven by the principles of autonomy and accessibility.

I advocate for comprehensive reproductive services that include family planning, safe abortion care, and the protection of bodily autonomy. It is essential that all individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, free from coercion or discrimination. I aim to provide empowering, mindful, and holistic care to the women I serve.
Role of a midwife
Women who opt for midwifery care trust their bodies' ability to give birth, just as they trust their ability to nurture a pregnancy. They take proactive steps toward managing their health and wellness and are the primary decision-makers in their health and birthing experience 
"Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life."
- Ina May Gaskin
What we do
Well Woman Care
A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) offers comprehensive health care for women, extending far beyond pregnancy and childbirth. CNMs conduct thorough well-woman examinations, including annual exams, pap smears, laboratory tests, clinical breast exams, and STI testing. They also provide assessments of hormones, lifestyle, and nutrition. 
Prenatal and Postpartum Care
Prenatal care a midwife provides typically includes regular check-ups and tests to monitor the health of both mother and baby, personalized counseling, and education about childbirth and newborn care.
Postpartum care involves monitoring the mother's physical recovery from childbirth, supporting 
breastfeeding and infant care, and addressing any emotional and psychological needs.
Labor and Delivery 
During labor and delivery, midwives monitor the progression of labor and the well-being of both mother and baby, offering guidance on positioning and breathing techniques. Midwives are trained to handle normal deliveries and identify complications that may require medical intervention. Postpartum care involves monitoring the mother's physical recovery from childbirth, supporting