Midwives
A Natural Approach to Childbirth: The Midwife
Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy and Delivery and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
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
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 nursing. 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 also have experience as labor and delivery, postpartum or nursery nurses.
What is the midwife philosophy?
Midwives believe that birth is a natural life process. 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.
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 physician if complications occur
Can I get pain medication if needed?
Yes, since you are delivering in a hospital you will have access to the same pain management options as our patients cared for by our physician team. A wide range of pain management options are available including IV, nitrous oxide, and epidurals.
What if I need a doctor?
Our nurse midwives work in collaboration with a team of OB/GYN doctors as needed to ensure optimum care for women and their babies. 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.
