Midwifery
From the time you find out that you’re expecting a baby, to the moment that you hold your newborn, you’ll have capable and compassionate maternity guides at Providence. This includes our certified nurse-midwives – registered nurses with specialized post-graduate education and midwifery training and certification – to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy and empowering birth experience.
We want you to feel comfortable about your care from Day One, and we encourage your loved ones to participate during every step of your pregnancy too. Our certified nurse-midwives are committed to providing exceptional care throughout your pregnancy, during delivery and childbirth and while you adjust to all the postpartum and parenting changes in your life.
Our midwife services include:
- Continuous assistance during labor and delivery
- Dedicated postpartum support
- Group education and support
- Individualized education, counseling and prenatal care
- Minimizing technological interventions
- Monitoring your physical, psychological and social well-being throughout pregnancy and childbirth
- Referring women who require obstetrical attention and partnering with OB-GYNs as needed
In addition to delivering babies and helping moms prepare for motherhood, our certified nurse-midwives provide comprehensive women's health care, including:
- Annual exams
- Birth control counseling
- Breastfeeding support
- Diet, exercise, and nutrition
- Family planning and counseling
- Gynecology and well women exams
- Infertility
- Menopausal care
- Pelvic health
- Perinatal mood disorders
- Prenatal and postpartum care
- Preventive care, screenings, and immunizations
- Primary care
- Sexual health
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 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.
Doctors Specializing in Midwifery
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
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.