When it comes to childbirth, expectant mothers want a birth experience that reflects their personal values, preferences, and medical needs. Here at Women First we try to meet every woman’s individual pregnancy and delivery goals with a healthy mom and healthy baby our top priority. One way to enhance your pregnancy and delivery experience is to  consider is working with a midwife. But what exactly is a midwife, and how does midwifery care compare to the traditional approach of an obstetrician (OB-GYN)?

A midwife offers care for women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Midwives focus on providing patient-centered care, building relationships with patients, and supporting them throughout their pregnancy. While many midwives specialize in natural childbirth with less medical interventions, their care is flexible and includes medical interventions to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Midwives come in different types, each with varying levels of training and certification:

• Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM): These midwives are registered nurses who have completed advanced education and a graduate degree in midwifery. They hold national certification and can provide comprehensive gynecological care, prenatal care, labor and delivery support including vaginal deliveries, and postpartum care.
• Certified Midwives (CM): Similar to CNMs, CMs have advanced training in midwifery but do not have a nursing background. They can provide midwifery care in certain states.
• Certified Professional Midwives (CPM): These midwives often learn through apprenticeship and typically assist in home births.They provide care in the out-of-hospital settings.

OB-GYNs and midwives specialize in women’s health, but their care approaches differ. Understanding these differences can help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.

OB-GYN Physicians.

• OB-GYNs are physicians trained to manage high-risk pregnancies and complex deliveries
• OB-GYNs are trained to manage a medical emergency when a previously uncomplicated labor becomes high risk

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)

• CNMs prioritize low-intervention births and natural childbirth.
• CNMs are trained to handle low-risk pregnancies and uncomplicated vaginal deliveries, but they know when to call for help if complications arise.

Choosing a midwife can offer some benefits, particularly for those who prefer a more natural birth experience. Here are some reasons why you might choose a midwife:

• Personalized Care: CNMs often spend more time with patients, building strong relationships and offering support throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
• Lower Intervention Births: Midwifery care focuses on low-intervention births, reducing the need for unnecessary medical interventions.
• Support for Natural Birth: CNMs are trained to assist with natural childbirth, offering guidance while ensuring the safety and well-being of mother and baby.
• Lower C-Section Rates: Some studies suggest that midwifery care can help reduce C-section rates, especially for low-risk pregnancies.

At Women First, we provide comprehensive gynecological care and pregnancy support. We try to meet the needs of all of our pregnant patients both low risk and high risk. 

Women First is pleased to offer Certified Nurse Midwife services as part of our commitment to providing excellent women’s healthcare. Our CNM will work closely with your physician and our whole team of obstetric providers. 

• Prenatal Care: Our CNM will provide routine prenatal visits to monitor your pregnancy, offer health and wellness advice, and answer any questions.
• Labor and Delivery Support:  Our CNM  may be first call on your delivery day. She will manage your labor and will deliver uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. She will provide guidance and support for your delivery experience while ensuring you and your baby’s safety.
• Postpartum Care:  Our CNM will offer support after delivery, helping with the challenges of new motherhood and recovery.

A midwife offers a different but valuable approach to childbirth and women’s health. At Women First, we’re committed to helping you make informed decisions about your care, and we aim to provide compassionate, expert care for every patient.

Contact us to learn more about midwifery care or schedule an appointment.