Call 425-258-7550 or complete the form to schedule an appointment with a midwife.
Midwifery
Our Approach
Part of Providence Regional Medical Center Everett Pavilion for Women and Children, our certified nurse-midwives are all master’s- or doctorate-trained nurse practitioners with specialized training and certification in women’s health, gynecology, pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to delivering babies and helping you prepare for parenthood, they provide comprehensive women's health care including annual exams, gynecologic care, menopausal care and contraception/birth control.
Highlights of our program include:
- The lowest cesarean rate nationally for a program of this size
- Our cesarean rate is 7-8% of births, year after year. Nationally, cesarean rates are more than 30%.
- Medication-assisted treatment program for patients with substance abuse disorders to help keep moms clean and on the path to recovery
- CenteringPregnancy Program, a nationally recognized model of group prenatal care that encourages active participation and community support by connecting families expecting babies at the same time
- An innovative partnership with out-of-hospital midwives to ensure safe transitions to the hospital from home or external birth centers as needed, promoting safety and continuity of care
Our midwives and team of committed support staff care deeply about your well-being, the health of your pregnancy and your journey into parenthood.
Certified nurse-midwife services include:
- Breastfeeding support
- Birthing
- Bladder health
- Breast care
- Cervical cancer screening
- Family planning
- Birth control
- Natural family planning
- Gynecology
- Hormone therapy
- Infertility
- Maternity
- Menopause
- Midwifery
- Nutritional counseling
- Obstetrics
- Ovarian cancer
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Pelvic health
- Pregnancy, labor and birth
- Prenatal care
- Perinatal mental health
- Sexual health
- Urinary incontinence
- Well-women exams
- Women’s health services
When you arrive, you’ll check in and present your photo ID and insurance card. Then, a certified nurse-midwife will go over your medical history and perform a complete physical examination.
Together, you’ll discuss your birthing plan and whether you prefer having a natural childbirth or using pain medication. We’re always happy to answer questions. We also encourage your family and loved ones to participate during every step of your pregnancy.
Save time by filling out the following forms before your visit:
You’ll deliver your baby in the Family Maternity Center at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett Pavilion for Women and Children. This home-like setting is where families experience the entire process – labor, birth and recovery – in a private birthing suite designed with your comfort in mind.
Your certified nurse-midwife will be with you in your suite, encouraging you and helping you cope with discomfort. After your baby is delivered, they stay close by to check on you.
You can take a free, 30-minute guided tour of the Family Maternity Center. Pre-registration is required.
Call the Family Maternity Center to schedule, or ask your prenatal care provider for a registration form.
Midwives don’t just provide care, they’re a trusted partner who guides, listens and advocates for you. Your collaborative relationship is built on communication and support. They help reduce anxiety and stress and ensure your voice is heard when it comes to medical decisions related to your pregnancy and overall health.
The benefits of working with a midwife include:
- Collaborative birth team – Your certified nurse-midwife collaborates with OB-GYNs, patient navigators, social workers and many others. Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll meet with the same members of your birth team at appointments; this continuity of care helps form strong relationships, reduces miscommunication and encourages you to actively participate in all decision-making.
- Community and support – Many certified-nurse midwives will offer group visits at select Providence locations, where you get to meet and connect with other soon-to-be parents, bonding over shared experiences. Having a strong support system during such a pivotal time in your life is very beneficial to your overall well-being.
- Ongoing wellness – From gynecological exams to menopausal support, your certified nurse-midwife is available for more than maternity services. A common misconception about midwives is that they can only assist you during your pregnancy; however, certified-nurse midwives are registered nurses with specialized training that allows them to perform a variety of well-women evaluations and procedures, like IUD insertion and endometrial biopsies. Certified nurse-midwives are a trusted medical resource for women at any stage of their life, from adolescence to menopause.
- Trusted contact – Your certified nurse-midwife isn’t just a medical professional, they’re a fantastic resource for any questions about prenatal care, pregnancy stages or concerns and postpartum health. They can give referrals, connect you to specialists or nutritional counselors and prescribe medications as needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
During your initial appointment, your midwife will:
- Discuss your goals and any preferences for your pregnancy and childbirth
- Perform a physical evaluation
- Review your medical history
It’s important that you have a trusting relationship with your midwife; the first appointment is a great time to get to know one another, ask questions or bring up any concerns.
Absolutely. We encourage partners, family members and/or loved ones to attend any appointments or group visits.
With your permission, they may also attend the labor and delivery of your child.
Yes, you can be a part of a group visit, sometimes referred to as a cohort. We recommend joining one as you can meet other parents-to-be that are due around the same time.
Group visits give you the opportunity to bond with those who are experiencing similar emotions and milestones.
Yes, our certified nurse-midwives can be present and assist during your birth at any of our Providence locations.
They are certified to attend deliveries at birth centers, homes and hospitals. In fact, 95% of births attended by midwives are in a hospital setting.
Yes, certified nurse-midwives can provide medication and epidurals as needed during labor.
No, midwives are available throughout your pregnancy and postpartum care.
Midwives provide lactation guidance, mental and physical wellness checks, recommendations and resources for adjusting to life with your newest family member.
Midwives work closely with OB-GYNs and other specialists. If any concerns or complications arise during your pregnancy, labor or delivery, your midwife will be in communication with the appropriate medical expert.
Yes. While nurse-midwives emphasize holistic and natural approaches to childbirth, they also have access to and can use medical technology when necessary to provide a balanced approach to care.
This includes fetal monitoring, ultrasounds and pain management options.
- Certified nurse-midwives are trained and certified medical professionals, often with a master’s or doctoral degree, that work with low- to moderate-risk pregnancies that need minimal intervention.
- Doulas are non-medical professionals trained to offer physical and emotional support during labor, delivery and after childbirth.
- Obstetrician-gynecologists, commonly called OB-GYNs, are medical doctors that have extensive training in low- to high-risk pregnancies. They’re trained for complex medical situations, including performing a Cesarean section, commonly called C-section or Cesarean birth.
Many patients decide to establish trusting relationships with both an OB-GYN and a midwife during their pregnancy. The decision between one or the other, or to work with both, is up to you as the patient and dependent on whether or not your pregnancy is considered high risk.
Forming a care team with your nurse-midwife, OB-GYN and doula allows them to collaborate, ensuring that you have a well-rounded care plan and all your needs are met.
Many insurance plans have expanded their plans to cover midwifery services. Since coverage can vary, it’s best to call and confirm with your insurance provider directly before scheduling an appointment.