The certified nurse-midwives at WHA provide the best of both worlds: high-quality modern healthcare practiced with the compassion and art of midwifery. Women are encouraged to be partners in their care (after all, who could know your body better than you?), and the midwife/client relationship is recognized as a key factor in the health of a woman and her family. Our midwives work WHA physicians, when needed, for specialized services or if problems develop.
What, exactly, is a certified nurse-midwife?
Today’s midwives have evolved into more multifaceted caretakers than their predecessors, but their goal remains the same: quality healthcare specifically for women. Nurse-midwives are educated in the disciplines of nursing and midwifery, are graduates of a professional program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and must pass a national certification exam. In Oregon, nurse-midwives have master’s degrees, are recognized as independent healthcare practitioners, have hospital admitting privileges, are licensed to prescribe medication and consult with many types of physicians. Basically, they are an awesome mash up of intuition and education.
What’s it like to see a certified nurse-midwife during pregnancy?
Our certified nurse-midwives are devoted to accompanying and supporting women through each stage of pregnancy, whether they are planning an un-medicated birth or opt for pain medications, including epidural anesthesia. We have midwives who attend births in six regional hospitals, as well as in WHA’s Midwifery Birth Center. This safe, comfortable, out-of-hospital facility is a place where healthy women at a low risk for complications can give birth naturally.
State-of-the-art laboratory and ultrasound technologies are available to all of our patients and are used sensibly for screening and diagnosis to maximize healthy childbirth outcomes for mother and baby. Our pregnancy care includes:
- Pre-pregnancy counseling
- Prenatal care
- Childbirth planning
- Labor support and delivery
- Breastfeeding support
- Postpartum care
- Referrals for ultrasound and fetal monitoring
- Referral to a physician partner for medical or surgical problems
During pregnancy, midwifery care is ideal for women at a low risk of complications. When you first visit a midwife, she will take a comprehensive medical history, give you a physical exam and perform laboratory screenings to make sure midwifery care is right for you. She can also answer any questions you have and schedule additional prenatal screening or ultrasounds, if necessary.
If your midwife has concerns about your health or the health of your baby, she may recommend you see an OB/GYN physician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Conditions that may require specialized care include twin pregnancies, diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy or high blood pressure. In some cases, you may be able to continue to see your midwife and consult with a doctor your prenatal care.
Seeing a certified nurse-midwife for gynecology and women’s health
The certified nurse-midwives at WHA provide gynecology and well-woman care for women at all stages of life, not just during pregnancy. Gynecology and well-woman services include:
- Family planning
- Annual pelvic and breast examinations, including referral for mammograms
- Gynecologic care, including PMS therapies
- Pap tests, screening and treatment for infections
- Menopause management
- Evaluation and treatment of menstrual irregularities
- Referral to a physician partner for medical or surgical problems
Choosing your healthcare partner during pregnancy or any other time is a personal decision that will impact your wellbeing in a variety of ways. As you navigate your options, we’re here to help you make the choice that feels right for you.
