Lydia Schmittel

Lydia Schmittel, CNM

Overall patient rating:

Book Appointment Chapel Hill Obstetrics and Gynecology

Languages Spoken By This Provider:

English

Accepts New Patients

Telehealth Appointments Available

Chapel Hill Obstetrics and Gynecology: Chapel Hill

120 Conner Drive
Suite 101
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Phone: (919) 942-8571 Fax: (919) 942-6355

Chapel Hill Obstetrics and Gynecology: Durham

245 E. North Carolina 54
Suite 202
Durham, NC 27713
Phone: (919) 942-8571 Fax: (919) 794-8468

Education

Graduate School: Frontier Nursing University

Undergraduate School: Duquesne University

Memberships & Societies

American College of Nurse Midwives

Hospital Affiliations

Duke Regional Hospital

Originally from Apollo, Pennsylvania, Lydia chose midwifery as a profession due to her own personal experience with the supportive, personalized care her midwife provided her during the birth of her children. This support enabled her to reach her goal of an unmedicated VBAC.

“I originally planned to go to medical school to become an obstetrician but decided on being a biology teacher part way through my freshman year,” she said. “I really had no exposure to what a midwife was until my own pregnancies. Once I discovered midwifery care it quickly became clear I was always meant to be a midwife.”

Lydia earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Duquesne University and worked as a nurse at a busy tertiary care center in Pittsburgh, PA on the postpartum, antepartum, and labor and delivery units. Lydia then earned her master’s degree in nursing from Frontier Nursing University and completed her clinical training with The Midwives at Magee at Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC as well as with The Midwife Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

Before moving to Durham, she was a midwife for three and a half years at a community hospital in Northwestern Pennsylvania. She’s also a member of the American College of Nurse Midwives.

She worked as a postpartum, antepartum and labor and delivery nurse at a busy tertiary care center in Pittsburgh, PA prior to becoming a midwife.

“I served a unique population as a midwife taking care of 35% Amish and Mennonite families,” she said. “I enjoy partnering with my patients to achieve their healthcare goals. I firmly believe knowledge is power and strive to help women understand their bodies, their options, and how they can optimize their health. My goal is to make you as comfortable and empowered as possible.”

Lydia and her husband, Derek, have three wonderful children. Their oldest child, Emma, has demonstrated an interest in art and cooking, while her middle child, Miles, likes video games and reading. Her youngest child, Claire, loves to go on adventures and dance.

They share their home with two dogs, a Bernedoodle named Leo and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sawyer. They also have two adopted cats.

Outside the office, she loves hiking, gardening, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family.

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating for UWH of The Carolinas:

Annual Well Woman Exam

The doctor was willing to spend time talking and helpful in some new health challenges I have that will be addressed by another specialist in a couple of weeks.

Miscarriage Care

Dr. Lechner approaches all of my visits with care, sensitivity- makes sure I know what to expect and processes afterwards so I always understand my options and where I’m at whether it’s pregnancy related or just wellness visits.

IUD Insertion / Removal

She did a phenomenal job explaining everything and with the whole procedure. I'd give her 5 stars if I didn't have to wait so long.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr Kaminski is so personable and caring.

Pap Smear

Dr Adams is amazing, as always. He has a way of making you feel very comfortable and at ease. He is very detailed with all of his guidance.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Wonderful team. Efficient and calming. I was highly anxious and Kristy and Carrie were both very good at calming me down. Very happy with my care

Annual Well Woman Exam

Caring, high quality, professional, efficient. Took time and listened

Annual Well Woman Exam

Everyone was very nice and attentive. Dr. Givens explained what he was going to do and listened to my concerns. He has a calming personality that puts me at ease.

Gynecological Exams

Dr Simmons is energetic and knowledgeable. She is also very thorough.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr Travis is knowledgeable in her field and answers all my questions in a manner in which I understand.

Breast Exam

Extremely professional. Discussed treatment plan and allowed me to ask questions and genuinely listened to my concerns and thoughts.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Elizabeth was very nice and thorough. I would have given my review 5 stars, except the nursing staff seemed rushed, not organized, and generally annoyed with their jobs. This is not the usual experience I have during my annual appointments.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Loved Dr VanBuren!

Annual Well Woman Exam

Friendly staff and I admire Dr. Roberts.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Professional, concise, great bedside manner, answered everything in an easy to understand way.

Hysteroscopy

This practice gives such good quality of care. They listen, follow up and are so kind to individual needs.

Post-Partum Appointment

Dr Cobb is always wonderful to work with. He gives honest answers and helps create care plans based on my needs and what our family desires!

Annual Well Woman Exam

Great doctor. Very knowledgeable. I know that I always get great information/advice about my health.

STI Testing / Treatment

I always have a great experience with the office staff and especially with Joanne Beecher-Van Horn, she is literally the best. However, I wish someone would have called me to let me know my copay was going to be $245. I recently got laid off and had to scrabble to find short term insurance coverage which I know is not the greatest coverage but I had no idea my visit was going to be SO expensive. I unfortunately can't afford that right now and I appreciate that the office accepts payment plans but it was definitely a shock to hear that amount when I checked in. That would have been a lot for me even when I had a job let alone now that I am unemployed.

IUD Insertion / Removal

Pleasant doctor and staff staff who do their utmost to make the experience pain-free.