Kori D. Pienovi, CNM, MS
Nurse-Midwife Midwifery Birth Center - Gateway
WHA’s certified nurse-midwives are women’s health specialists who can help you throughout your life with contraception and family planning, pregnancy and childbirth, gynecology and well-woman care and the transition to menopause. Basically, they’re here for any woman, in every way, at any time. Yup, they’re pretty great.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
The changes your body goes through during your teens can be exciting, confusing and a bit “that happened.” Let us help you make sense of it all and get started down the path of lifelong health.…
Maybe you know, or maybe you have no idea. Whether or not you’re planning a family, our providers can help you understand your reproductive health so you can make the right decisions for you–now and into the future.…
From contraception and Pap tests to pregnancy and raising a growing family, your body is quite the busy body these days. Let’s navigate your wellness journey together–however you define it.…
If it seems like feeling well and staying on top of your health has gotten more complicated, you’re not alone. Let us help you make sense out of it and choose the right path for you.…
You may have this menopause thing figured out, but your body is still catching up and continuing to change. WHA’s providers can help you manage any ongoing symptoms and maintain the active lifestyle you want–and deserve!…
Congratulations, you’re doing it right. Let’s make sure your health routine is one you’re happy with and answer any questions or concerns that come up along the way. No matter where you are on your journey, WHA is here to provide exceptional care.…
If you’re pregnant and want to begin care at WHA–or need to schedule an appointment during your pregnancy, call us! Find a provider and location here.
This will allow our teams to check whether your plan may require a referral for the care you need or to prepare benefits information to share with you at your visit. If you do not enter insurance information when scheduling, you may be asked to pay a $200-$500 deposit before receiving service.
