Midwifery

From the time you find out that you’re expecting to the moment you hold your newborn, you’ll have capable and compassionate guides at Providence. Our certified nurse midwives are registered nurses with specialized post-graduate education, midwifery training and certification.

The midwifery approach to care is based on our understanding that pregnancy and birth are natural life processes. Our certified nurse midwives are registered nurses with specialized post-graduate education, midwifery training and certification. Our midwives specialize in providing exceptional care throughout your pregnancy, during delivery and childbirth and while you adjust to all the postpartum and parenting changes in your life.

With a focus on the care of healthy women in pregnancy and birth, and we provide a holistic approach to achieving a healthy pregnancy and satisfying birth experience. 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, menopausal care, and primary care.

Learn more about prenatal care options at Providence.

We want you to feel comfortable about your care from day one, and we encourage your family to participate during every step of your pregnancy, too. At your first appointment, your midwife will go over your medical history and perform a complete physical examination.

As your pregnancy progresses, your midwife will talk with you about your preferences and plans to ensure an experience that’s right for you.

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

Midwifery is a time-honored profession that plays a crucial role in maternal and newborn care. However, it is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Let's set the record straight by addressing some common misunderstandings about midwifery.

Myth: Nurse-midwives lack formal education.

Fact: The majority of nurse-midwives pursue a bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in nurse-midwifery, with some even attaining doctoral degrees.

Myth: Nurse-midwives only provide care in the home.

Fact: Nurse-midwives work in diverse settings such as hospitals, medical offices, freestanding birth centers, clinics and homes, ensuring access to a broad spectrum of services. Many women opt for midwifery care in hospital settings, benefiting from their expertise in promoting natural childbirth while having access to medical interventions if needed.

Myth: I must choose between a nurse-midwife or an OB-GYN.

Fact: You can have both! Midwifery and obstetrics are not mutually exclusive. Forming a care team with both your nurse-midwife and an OB-GYN allows them to collaborate, ensuring that all your needs are met with a well-rounded care plan.

Myth: During labor, a nurse-midwife won't provide access to medications or epidurals.

Fact: Nurse-midwives are experts in natural, physiologic birth but can also provide medications and epidurals when needed during labor.

Myth: Nurse-midwives only care for women during pregnancy and birth.

Fact: Nurse-midwives have expert knowledge and skill in caring for women throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. But they do much more. Nurse-midwives can offer health services to women through all stages of life – from the teenage years until menopause. They provide general health check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, well-woman gynecologic care and family planning counseling.

Myth: Nurse-midwives don't use medical technology.

Fact: While nurse-midwives emphasize holistic and natural approaches to childbirth, they also have access to and can use medical technology when necessary. This includes fetal monitoring, ultrasounds and pain management options, providing a balanced approach to care.

Myth: Nurse-midwives and doulas are the same thing.

Fact: Doulas are non-medical professionals trained to offer physical and emotional support during labor, delivery and after childbirth. Nurse-midwives also provide this support, but they additionally monitor the health of both mother and baby during labor, share information about progress, offer labor-related advice, discuss medical choices when necessary and oversee the delivery of the baby.

Myth: Nurse-midwives don’t accept insurance.

Fact: Midwifery services can be covered by insurance but may vary depending on your insurance plan. It is a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about the details of your coverage.

Dispelling these common misconceptions about midwifery is essential for understanding the valuable contributions nurse-midwives make to safe and personalized childbirth experiences.

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.

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Circle® by Providence

Free pregnancy and parenting app

Circle® is a free pregnancy and parenting app that provides useful health resources, top-notch pregnancy calculator and tools to help track ovulation, weight, blood pressure, and vaccinations. Enjoy easy access to program information, services and classes, too! Plus, when you connect to MyChart through Circle, you'll receive appointment reminders for you and your children. Learn more about the Circle app.

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