Midwife | Northfield Hospital + Clinics

A Natural Approach to Childbirth: The Midwife

Whether you’re pregnant, trying or thinking about it, this is an exciting time in your life. Giving birth is a natural part of life and we want your birth story to be memorable and the story you want it to be. Our Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) encourage a natural childbirth experience, letting the miracle of birth unfold through empowerment, attentive waiting, natural alternatives and low intervention.

They will build a strong relationship with you and your family and provide evidence-based care with a focus on your unique needs. By providing the information, education and support needed, they can help you and your family make the best decisions regarding your health, pregnancy, labor and birth.

If your goal is a birth with minimal intervention, while having the resources of a hospital or doctor close by if needed, we’ve got you covered.

During pregnancy care and childbirth, your midwife will:

support your birthing choices
provide natural, holistic care
empower you to make the choices you want for your birth
provide education and support
offer natural alternatives for pain management
- labor in shower or tub, massage, aromatherapy, birthing balls, intermittent monitoring, different labor positions
support your decisions regarding medication in labor
- nitrous oxide, IV medications, and epidural are available
welcome the use of doulas for labor support

Additionally, your midwife can:

provide annual well woman exams, including pap smears
provide family planning options
offer routine gynecological care

Patient Stories

Veronica Barth

Beverly and Anthony Bechly

Kate McGrogan

Midwife Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certified nurse midwife?

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) complete a four-year nursing degree followed by a Master's or doctoral degree in midwifery. Then they complete two to three years of advanced training in midwifery care. After graduation, they must pass a national certification exam to be certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives and begin practice as a CNM. They stay up-to-date on the latest advances to provide the best possible care. Many Certified Nurse Midwives started to their careers as labor and delivery, postpartum or nursery nurses before becoming a midwife.

Besides pregnancy care, midwives provide well woman care including routine gynecologic care for low-risk women.

They work in a clinic and hospital setting.

What is the midwife philosophy?

Midwives believe that pregnancy and birth are normal processes in a woman’s life. Our nurse midwives provide the information, education and support needed to empower women to make the best decisions regarding their health, pregnancy, labor and birth. They will work with you on wellness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle, all while supporting your emotional and physical well-being.

Their goal is to educate and assist you in making decisions best for you and your family. They believe in evidence-based care, high touch and low intervention, and that not all modern interventions are necessary.

How does a nurse midwife differ from traditional birth experience?

A nurse midwife will:

have longer appointment times to get to know you and your wishes
provide patient and family-centered care
educate and empower you to make choices
participate in your labor experience
offer you natural comfort measures during labor
guide you on optimal positions during the birthing process
respect your delivery wishes
collaborate with our team of OB/Gyn doctors if complications occur

Can I get pain medication if needed?

Yes, you will have access to a variety of pain management and medication options including IV, nitrous oxide, and epidurals.

What if I need a doctor?

The midwives work collaboratively with OBGYN doctors as needed for any complications that may arise during pregnancy or labor to ensure optimum care for women and their babies. Midwives can manage basic obstetrical emergencies, but call for help in situations that require advanced training and surgery, such as D & Cs, cesarean sections, and repairs of 3rd & 4th degree lacerations.

In addition, we have advanced practice providers, a maternal fetal medicine specialist for high-risk pregnancies, nutritionists and radiologists who can all help if a pregnancy becomes high-risk. The care amongst the team is seamless, and provides women with a full spectrum of care.