What is a Certified Nurse Midwife?

Midwives have existed since the earliest days of human society, but the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a modern concept. CNMs are Registered Nurses (RNs) who have completed advanced training in obstetrics and gynecology. CNM training takes place at the university level, with classroom and supervised clinical education. At the conclusion of training, the CNM must pass a national licensing exam before applying to the state licensing Board.

CNMs practice in all fifty states and delivered 10% of all babies in this country last year. Babies delivered by CNMs are more likely to be born vaginally without induction of labor, fetal monitoring, forceps delivery, or episiotomy. CNMs are licensed by each state and can write drug prescriptions and admit patients to the hospital, much like an OB/GYN. Our care is covered by most insurance plans and HMOs. CNMs practice without being directly supervised by a doctor, but must have an agreement with a physician to manage problems that arise with clients. return to top

Will my insurance pay?

The Childbirth and Women’s Wellness Center accepts all insurance plans provided you have out of network benefits. return to top

What happens if there is an emergency during delivery?

Midwives are experts in normal labor and birth who are able to pick up small changes from normal early and treat the situation with holistic therapies to keep the course of the pregnancy on a normal track without unnecessary medical interventions. However, emergencies can and do arise in a small percentage of midwifery patients. In such an event, you could not be in a better place than the new state-of-the-art Maternal/Child Department at the hospitall. Your midwife is supported by the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department staffed by well respected Perinatologists who help pinpoint any problem and work collaboratively to correct it. In addition, a team of Neonatologists and neonatal nurses staff our state-of-the-art nurseries. Should medical intervention be necessary, a team of on call Obstetricians is available on a 24/7 basis. You can feel comfortable that you and your baby will receive the finest and most appropriate care available.return to top

How would it be different having a baby with a midwife rather than a doctor?

Midwives offer longer office visits than most doctors and we treat each client as an individual. We focus on nutrition and good health to ensure a healthy pregnancy and use natural and herbal treatments whenever possible. Should you need regular medical treatment, the nurse-midwives can provide that in consultation with our collaborating physician. return to top

Will I see a doctor during my pregnancy?

In the normal course of events you will not need to see a doctor during your pregnancy. If you would like to you can meet the physician before you give birth (in case her presence is required at the delivery). If a medical problem develops, we will arrange for you to see the doctor in our office. We work closely with our physicians and communicate regularly about clients with problems. At no time during your pregnancy or birth will you simply be transferred to the care of a doctor; you will always remain in the care of a midwife although a doctor might have to get directly involved in some of your care. return to top

How will I know the baby is all right?

If there is any question about your baby’s well-being, there are a number of options available. Routine ultrasounds can be performed right in our offices or you may be referred to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department and your midwife would consult with the Perinatologist regarding any problems detected and the management of your care. Your midwife also communicates frequently with her collaborating Doctors on deviations from normal to ensure you and your baby are fine.return to top

How long do I stay after I give birth?

Can I have an underwater birth?

Although we are not set up yet to perform waterbirths in Palisades Medical Center, we are currently working together to initiate a WaterBirth Program. We have many “water babies” and their mothers were thrilled with the experience. The use of water during labor and birth may speed up labor and reduce the pain, in addition to reducing tearing of the vagina. All of our clients who opted to give birth in the tub were very happy and felt it was the best possible way to give birth. It is perfectly safe for the baby and it’s very pleasant for the mother. Babies do not start breathing until the come out of the water, so there is no chance of them breathing water. Being in water provides a cleaner environment for the mother and reduces chances of infection, even if your water is broken. You relax in the warm water and float with contractions. You can push the baby out and deliver the baby right in the tub. Then the two of you can relax in the tub while you get your first glimpse at each other. return to top

If I had a cesarean with my last baby, can I try for a vaginal birth?

The Childbirth and Women’s Wellness Center accepts VBAC births and has achieved a success rate of over 78% versus 26% national averages. Because we treat you naturally and holistically, we can avoid many of the problems that contribute to the alarming C-section rates being widely reported. It is perfectly safe to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean and delivering with a midwife will increase your chances of having the birth you dreamed of. return to top

What if I decide I want drugs during labor?

Most of our clients plan a drug-free birth and most of them actually achieve it. It is healthier for both the mother and the baby to go through labor without drugs. However, long painful labors do happen and we are not philosophically opposed to using pain relieving drugs, although most of our clients do fine with walking, massage, showering, or using the tub.return to top