Childbirth is a natural, not a medical process and you deserve to choose where and how you bring your baby into the world. Baby’s 1st Day was born out of a need for more birth options in Southern Nevada. We respect your right to make your own informed decisions about your health care and the care of your baby based on your values and beliefs.
Enjoy the Serenity of a Home-Like Atmosphere During Labor and Delivery
- We’re equipped to provide routine and emergency care for you and your baby.
- Spa-like birthing rooms equipped with a birthing tub, shower, and toilet offer privacy for you and enough room for your family.
- A kitchen area provides a place for your family to gather and eat together.
- Recover from post-delivery in a comfortable queen-sized bed.
Education & Support:
- childbirth classes
- lactation groups
- postpartum groups
Comprehensive Well-Woman Care:
- hormone testing
- birth control
- IUD placement
- sexually transmitted infection testing,
- menopausal care.
Baby’s 1st Day offers the perfect blend between home and hospital for healthy women anticipating a low-risk pregnancy and birth.
Meet Baby’s First Day Midwives and Staff at Serenity Birth Center
When you choose us, you’re choosing a team of people who offer excellent care with a sweet, calming spirit. They are hardworking, available day and night, true professionals who love their jobs.
April Clyde
APRN, CPM, CNM
Baby’s 1st Day Owner
When you choose April Clyde to guide you through your birth journey, you’re choosing the most experienced and knowledgeable midwife in the state. April is the only former labor & delivery nurse to become an independent out-of-hospital midwife in the state of Nevada.
April started her career as hospital labor and delivery nurse. She helped deliver 1,500 babies in her first five years. With a level III neonatal intensive care unit onsite, she learned the difference between normal and abnormal births. As a midwife, April helped deliver babies at home and in birth centers. After completing her Master’s in Midwifery, she started a hospital-based practice where she introduced water birth, birthing stools, and other natural childbirth friendly options.
At the end of 2007 April fulfilled her long-time dream of opening Baby’s 1st Day, a home birth practice.
While April’s passion is empowering women to make their own non-invasive birthing decisions, her focus is on your safety and appropriate medical intervention. When you are supported and empowered through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum, you are better able to transition into the role of mother. Birth has the potential to be a right of passage that creates a strong, empowered, and confident family.
Experience
Certified Nurse-Midwife & Certified Professional Midwife
Baby’s 1st Day, Las Vegas, NV — 2008-Present
Founder and president of Baby’s 1st Day, Midwifery Services. Attending one hundred home births per year. Providing complete antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn care.
Certified Nurse-Midwife
Deseret Women’s Health Care, Henderson, NV — 2005-2008
Managing practice partner with collaborating OB/GYN, and physician assistant. Attended 240 hospital births per year. Cesarean first assistant in the operating room. Complete GYN care in the office including family planning, menopausal management, and well-woman care.
Certified Nurse-Midwife
Fremont Women’s Health Care, Las Vegas, NV — 2004-2005
Worked with four collaborating physicians in a busy OB/GYN practice. Complete GYN care provided including family planning, birth control, annual exams, menopausal management, colposcopy, IUD placement, and fertility care.
Student Nurse-Midwife
Frontier University, Hyden, KY — 2002-2004
Attended births in birthing centers, at home, and in the hospital. Attended 87 births as the primary midwife under supervision.
Registered Nurse Labor and Delivery
Sunrise Hospital, Las Vegas, NV — 2000-2004
Provided care to high-risk antepartum women, routine intrapartum care including circulating operating room nurse, neonatal intensive care experience, and postpartum couplet care. Electronic fetal monitor certified, advanced cardiovascular life support trained, and neonatal resuscitation certified.
Education
Masters in Nursing Case
Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH – 2004
Masters in Midwifery
Frontier School of Nurse-Midwifery, Hyden, KY – 2004
Bachelors in Nursing
University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV – 2000
Certifications & Licenses
American College of Nurse-Midwives Board
Certified as a nurse-midwife since 2004 – Cert. #24678
North American Registry of Midwives Board
Certified as a certified professional midwife since 2008 – Cert. #08030008
Arizona Registered Nurse License #RN160290
Nevada Registered Nurse License #RN36201
Arizona Advanced Practice Nurse License #AP3487
Nevada Advanced Practice Nurse License #APN000807
Cheryl Rude
Practice Manager
Cheryl Rude has over two decades of experience in the medical field, serving many of those years in obstetrics and gynecologic practices. Managing multi-specialty groups, solo practices, and conducting set-up and consulting services makes Cheryl an asset to our center.
At Baby’s 1st Day her duties include networking, engaging and educating our patients, maintaining employees, overseeing daily operations, and dealing with upper management.
Cheryl has extensive billing and collection experience and is very knowledgeable with Nevada insurances. She and her staff are caring, kind, and resourceful. They have the experience and knowledge to serve your needs and answer your questions throughout your pregnancy journey.
Cheryl has been happily married for over twenty years and has three wonderful children. She is also a certified personal trainer and for a decade has enjoyed helping people with lifestyle changes and fitness goals.
Genevieve Burkett
Director of Nursing
Genevieve is an Upstate NY native and has lived in Las Vegas since 2017. Having been pregnant when she moved to Nevada, she was introduced to a very different “birth scene” than Ithaca, NY, where her first daughter was born in a hospital setting without medical intervention. Genevieve realized very quickly that a hospital birth in Las Vegas was not for her. Research led her to April’s home birth practice, Baby’s 1st Day, and was blessed to have a lovely home birth. Genevieve is thrilled to be a part of the team offering women the third choice in the Las Vegas Valley with Serenity Birth Center.
Genevieve’s interests have always involved helping people. She studied psychology at Le Moyne College and after some post-college job exploration knew pursuing nursing school would be her next step. Genevieve attended St. Joseph’s College of Nursing of Syracuse, NY. As an RN, Genevieve has worked in inpatient mental health, inpatient medical/surgical clients, and outpatient hematology/oncology settings.
Genevieve’s dream to work in the field of pregnancy, midwifery, feminism, and empowering women has been one since childhood. Genevieve was inspired by her own birth experiences and holistic providers, Las Vegas midwife April Clyde and Ithaca doula, Kate Dimpfl, to pursue a career in birth work. As soon as the news April would be opening a birth center, Genevieve began manifesting her longtime dream. She is invigorated to be taking the birth assistant course through the American Association of Birth Centers and lactation counselor training course through Healthy Children Project, Inc. expanding her knowledge to better serve women at Baby’s 1st Day. Genevieve feels extremely honored and humbled to be a part of Baby’s 1st Day team and looks forward to working with each and every one of you.
Sarah Slobody
CPM, DOULA
As the daughter of a lactation consultant, Sarah grew up watching new moms work through the challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding. Hearing women explore new motherhood, natural birth and more is part of her earliest memories. After working as a teacher in one of the valley’s most elite private schools Sarah felt a different calling. Sarah began her own work in the birth world in 2015 as a full-spectrum doula, supporting families through their experiences. Sarah had ambitions of studying to be a midwife and began to practice under April. Sarah received her Certified Professional Midwife credentials passing her boards through the Northern American Registry of Midwives (NARM). Sarah is very passionate about supporting families through an empowering journey. Sarah enjoys working with women throughout all the cycles of life from teen care to menopause, helping women find their confidence and learn about their bodies.
Sarah teaches a childbirth education series at Baby’s First Day and Serenity Birth Center as well as manages the social media. Sarah is passionate about providing safe and inclusive options for families as they grow. Sarah’s experience and warm caring ways make her a wonderful asset and team player to our practice.
Lydia Owens
CNM, APRN
Lydia Owens is a Certified Nurse Midwife who attended and graduated from Frontier Nursing University receiving her master’s degree in Nurse Midwifery. She considers herself privileged to have begun with Baby’s First Day as a birth attendant and then gain her clinical experience here; transitioning seamlessly into practice with the team. She has been a nurse since 2015, serving those with cancer in her role as an oncology nurse giving her a great appreciation for life in all stages. She also attended UNLV where she got her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Before becoming a nurse, she was a licensed yoga teacher for a few years here in Las Vegas giving her a unique gift that she can bring to providing care to our patients. Lydia is passionate about educating and empowering families, physically, mentally, and spiritually and finds beauty in all aspects of the cycle of life.
Lydia considers herself lucky to live in a town like Las Vegas which has access to nature, hiking, and fabulous shows.
Dani Walker
APRN, CNM
Dani is a Certified Nurse Midwife having obtained her master’s degree from Frontier Nursing University where she specialized in Nurse-Midwifery. Before becoming a midwife, Dani had been a Registered Nurse since 2012. Her experience has been shaped by her travels around the United States with her military husband and her passion for serving people, especially families and children. As a nurse, she has worked for a health department, within acute care settings, home care settings, and most recently within the Emergency Department. When she and her family moved to Las Vegas in 2017, Dani was lucky to find Baby’s 1st Day and all of the incredible midwives and staff there. Before becoming a CNM, Dani spent time as a birth assistant with Bay’s 1st Day – this helped fuel her passion for physiologic birth and supporting birthing people. She is also passionate about empowering women to take control of their health. In her (very_ spare time, she loves hanging out with her family – her spouse and her two sons (the littlest was born at home with the support of midwives from Baby’s 1st Day!). As a family, they especially enjoy spending time outdoors – hiking and camping are favorites! Dani is thrilled to be part of Baby’s 1st Day & Serenity Birth Center as a midwife. She is looking forward to supporting families from all over Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. She is eager to connect with patients over their thoughts and needs surrounding birth work, gynecologic care, and midwifery care.
Malia Smylie
APRN, CNM
Malia is a Las Vegas native who received her Bachelor in Nursing at the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2009. She is passionate about educating women about their birth options and empowering them to seek their ideal birth experience. Several years ago she realized that her calling was to become a nurse-midwife, inspiring her to achieve her Masters in Midwifery from Bethel University. Having experienced three waterbirths at home (with April as her midwife) she became eager to provide the same type of care to women in the Las Vegas valley. Malia lights up when there is any chance to speak about birth work, women’s care, or any of the thought-provoking subjects surrounding midwifery care. Malia studied abroad in Spain during high school and is fluent in Spanish. Being bilingual has helped her deeply connect with and care for Spanish-speaking patients.
Katrina Hardin-James
BSN, RN, Charge Nurse
Katrina is an Air Force Veteran originally from Tennessee and has lived in Las Vegas since 2004. She has had three hospital births. The first was a medicated birth with a small-town OB/GYN and the second two were unmedicated hospital births, one with an OB/GYN and one with a midwife.
Katrina has always been a nurturer and enjoyed helping others. Her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse and helping deliver babies was diverted for many years as she traveled the world and protected our country as an Active-Duty Air Force member. After her youngest daughter was self-sufficient, she decided it was time to pursue her dream and attended nursing school in Las Vegas, NV where she obtained her BSN in Nursing. As an RN, she has worked in Home Health and Long-term Care Facilities and is also a Hospice volunteer.
Fate brought Katrina to Baby’s First Day midwives as she considered going back to school for midwifery. She is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Serenity team and looks forward to meeting and helping each and every one of you during an extremely special time in your life.
Laura Hale
CPM
Laura is a NARM Certified Professional Midwife with a bachelor’s degree in midwifery from Mercy in Action College of Midwifery. She began birth work in 2014 as a birth doula, CLC, placenta encapsulator, and postpartum doula. She knew from a very young age that her calling was to serve families through birth work, but before starting midwifery school in 2018 she worked full-time in healthcare as a surgical assistant and administrative manager. She has had the opportunity to gain diverse clinical experience in a variety of birth settings including 4 different states, several homebirth practices, and 2 birth centers. She moved to Las Vegas in 2023 to work with Baby's 1st Day, and lives with her daughter, partner, 3 dogs, and cat. As a proud member of the queer community, she has a special passion for supporting LGBTQIA+ birthing families. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, live music, and quality family time. She aspires to start her own midwifery practice and to do medical missions in low-resource countries.
Alexyis Bonilla
Student Midwife DEM, Birth Assistant, Doula
Alexyis has joined our practice in 2021 bringing exceptional customer service skills from her previous employers. She graduated from CSN, Nevada May 2022 with a Business Degree. After observing her first birth at the center, Alexyis has developed a passion for birth work. Alexyis started as one of our patient care coordinators but soon found herself wanting to learn the clinical aspect of our practice. She is currently one of our Student Midwives and Birth Assistants. She holds her certifications in neonatal resuscitation and Basic Life Support. She is very knowledgeable about our administrative and clinical practice protocols to help at the beginning of your birth journey to postpartum, assisting you with any ancillary services or attention you will need. Alexyis is bilingual in Spanish. She enjoys music, hanging with friends, and movies. It’s a pleasure seeing her warm smile every day.
Daisy Rosales
Patient Care Coordinator
Daisy has joined our practice in 2021 with prior medical experience. Daisy, with warm guidance, will help coordinate your birth certificate and social security filing after the baby is born. She helps our practice with administrative tasks. Her commitment and growth within our practice have been a pleasure to witness. She is proud to have been born and raised in Las Vegas. Daisy is also pursuing her IT certifications. She considers herself a foodie, loves going to concerts, and hanging with her friends. Daisy is bilingual in Spanish and has been a blessing to be a part of our Serenity team.
Allyson Vodopich
Patient Specialist
Allyson has always had an interest in the medical field. She was a newbie prior to starting but has become a great asset who cares greatly about our patients and families. She joined our family in 2022. Allyson, with warm guidance, will help coordinate and educate patients explaining all details from initial consultation, future appointments, financials, and any other front facilitation you may need. Allyson is a native of Las Vegas and enjoys movies, hanging out with friends, and painting. The next chapter for Allyson is her interest in developing her birth work as a Doula and Birth Assistant.
Sydney Dickinson
Patient Financial Specialist
Sydney joined our practice in May of 2022. Her experience includes event management, high customer service, and IT management. She was looking for employment with a sense of community. Sydney will help coordinate, educate, and inform you about any financial responsibility or concerns you may have when making your decision to start care. Sydney is our consultation and tour liaison for our practice. Her passion for more birth work is leading Sydney to become a Doula for our community. Traveling with her dog makes her happy as well as bird watching. Sydney’s dedication, warm heart, and commitment is so refreshing.