Passages Women's Health
Women's Healthcare, adolescence through menopause
About Passages Women's Health
At Passages Women’s Health, I provide comprehensive women’s health care to persons of all backgrounds, races, orientations, and preferences. I tend to lean towards a natural approach to healthcare, but I fully embrace medical options when appropriate and desired by the person. When a person comes to me with a problem, I like to present them with a range of options. We may talk about dietary and lifestyle changes, supplements, and herbal remedies, but I also want my clients to be informed about options for medication management and medical interventions.
About the Midwife
I, Sherry Rinell, am a Certified Nurse-midwife and an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I am the owner of and only practitioner at Passages Women’s Health. I graduated from Yale with a masters degree in midwifery in 1990. For the first 22 years of practice I enjoyed a rewarding career in community health, at Fair Haven Community Health Center in New Haven. Then, ready for a change, I joined Birth & Beyond, where I continued to work in women’s health, and attended hundreds of home births. In 2020, I decided to step back from the birth scene and focus primarily on women’s health.
I am the mother of 4 daughters and I was delighted to attend the births of my 11 grandchildren. When not busy with work or family, I enjoy hiking, beaches, cooking, reading, and tap dancing.
What to Expect
My Approach
A lot of clients express frustration that healthcare providers do not listen to their concerns. It is my sincere hope that nobody will ever say that about me. By the end of our visit, I want you to feel that you have really been heard and understood. I may not be able to solve every problem, but I will endeavor to work with you towards a solution. If you tend to avoid healthcare because you are tired of being shamed, talked over, and talked down to, it would be my pleasure to offer you a different experience.
Your First Visit
At a typical initial visit, I take a thorough history and do a full physical exam, including a breast exam and pelvic exam. I will offer you a pap, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and blood tests for basic health screening. When appropriate, I will make referrals for other testing such as mammograms and ultrasounds. I will also address any problems you are experiencing and any concerns about your health.
I understand that some aspects of a physical exam and pelvic exam may be difficult for some people, especially if they have had a negative experience in the past. I take pride in performing a gentle and respectful examination. You have the right to waive any part of the exam if you find it to be too uncomfortable.
Problem Visits
You may call me at any time, for any female health concerns. We will decide whether an office visit is necessary. In many cases we can address your concern over the phone or through telehealth.
My Services
Gyn wellness exams
Family planning / contraception
Pregnancy care
Management of menstrual problems
Gyn problems
Adolescent health
Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment
Fertility issues
Intrauterine insemination
Perimenopause and menopause concerns
LGBTQ+ care
Preteen / early teen chat visits
Lactation services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a midwife?
There a few different types of midwives, with different types of training. Sherry is a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM). A CNM is a licensed healthcare professional who holds degrees in both nursing and midwifery. A nurse-midwife is a type of advanced practice nurse. CNMs are licensed by the state, and certified by their national professional organization, the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).
Why would I go to a midwife? I am not pregnant.
Midwives do much more than attend births! Many midwives provide full scope gynecological and women's health services. An essentially healthy woman may choose a midwife as her primary care provider. Midwives take pride in really listening to our clients, and in giving a personal, caring touch.
How am I supposed to address you?
Traditionally, midwives are addressed by their first names, without a professional title. While my legal name is actually 'Cheryl', most people call me "Sherry", or "Mom" or "Grammy". Any of these are fine!
Why do you always answer your own phone?
I do not have a receptionist, secretary, triage nurse, gate-keeper, or anyone else working with me. Whenever you call, you will either get me or my voicemail. I do my own scheduling and answer all of my calls. Most clients find this makes me more accessible to them.
Does Passages Women's Health Accept Insurance?
Yes, I accept most major insurance, including Medicaid. Unfortunately, I am not currently able to accept Medicare.
850 North Main St. Ext., Bldg 2, Suite C3
Wallingford, CT 06492
Phone: (203) 694-4349
Fax: (833) 694-4349