Kathleen M. McGinnis, CNM

Kathleen McGinnis has been a Registered Nurse since 1997 and a Certified Nurse Midwife since 2005. She has cared for women and their families as a Neonatal ICU, Labor & Delivery, and Postpartum Registered Nurse and as a Nurse Midwife across the United States. Her specialties include prenatal and postpartum care, lactation support, well woman care from adolescence through post-menopause, family planning and STI screening and treatment. Her areas of interest include trauma informed care, inclusive care, addressing healthcare disparities, patient education and advocacy. She has a particular interest in perimenopause & menopause treatment and postpartum care, including screening for and treatment of postpartum depression and lactation support. Kathleen became an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant in 2024 and is the co-director of the Lactation Medicine and Breastfeeding support program. This program was created to increase access to breastfeeding support for families in Dutchess County and the surrounding area.

Why should someone choose you to care for their health
The patient should choose me as their healthcare provider because I am committed to supporting women to make the best healthcare choices throughout their lifespans. It is an honor and privilege for me to provide quality care to my patients and I value shared decision-making to navigate healthcare choices with my patients.

What is the most important thing your patients should expect from their professional relationship with you? What do you expect from them?
The most important thing that my patients should expect from their professional relationship with me is open, honest communication and accountability, and I expect the same from my patients. I think that the best way to establish a trusting relationship is good communication and accountability. My patients can also expect that I will hear their concerns, make sure that they understand their visit and agree with their plan of care going forward

How do you spend your valuable personal time when you’re not caring for patients?
I spend my time with my family and friends. I love being outdoors with my husband, boys and our dog, Gigi. We enjoy camping, fishing, hiking and being at the beach. I enjoy cooking (and eating!) good food with family and friends. I also love playing Scrabble online with my mom. We have had an ongoing game for a few years!

Why did you choose your specialty and what is its greatest reward?
I am the second oldest of sixteen grandchildren so I grew up around pregnant women and babies. I spent most of my childhood with women. The term Midwife means “with woman” so it was a natural fit for me to become a Nurse Midwife. The greatest reward of being a Midwife for me is witnessing a woman feel empowered to make the best healthcare decisions for herself and her family.