Nurse-Midwives FAQ
A: A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is an individual educated in the two disciplines of nursing and midwifery, who possesses evidence of certification according to the requirements of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Nurse-midwifery practice is the independent management of women's health care, focusing particularly on pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, care of the newborn, and the family planning and gynecological needs of women. CNMs practice within a health care system that provides for consultation, collaborative management or referral as indicated by the health status of the client. Q: What is the philosophy of midwifery care? A: Nurse-midwives believe that every individual has the right to safe, satisfying care with respect for human dignity and that pregnancy is a normal life process not a disease. CNMs believe the normal processes of pregnancy and birth can be enhanced through education, health care and supportive intervention. Clients and their families are partners with the nurse-midwife in the provision of health care. We believe that medical intervention should be used only when necessary, and that each woman should be treated in a holistic manner as an individual Q: What is the model of midwifery care? A: We believe that we need to get to know you and your family in order to provide the appropriate care you deserve. We allow ample time at every visit to allow for conversation and questions. Your family members and children are welcome at all times as you desire. Health promotion and education are main facets of midwifery care, so we encourage you to read, ask questions and become educated, whether for childbirth or a gynecological issue. CNMs also have full prescribing privileges in Iowa, so we can order whatever prescription medications you may need. Q: Will my insurance cover nurse-midwifery care? A: We participate with all major insurance companies, such as United Health Care, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Tri-Care and Iowa Medicaid. Billing is done through one of our group practice names, Affiliates Ob/Gyn, or Associates in Ob/Gyn. Please call our office for further information. Q: Can I see a chiropractor when I am pregnant? A: Yes, you may see a chiropractor while you are pregnant. Our practice does not make referrals to the chiropractor, but you may decide to go on your own if you please. Make sure to try and avoid any x-rays. Q: What if I decide I would like medication or an epidural during my labor? A: As nurse midwives, our philosophy is that each woman should be treated as an individual, and allowed to determine what is the right scenario for her labor and birth. A variety of pain relief options including IV pain medications and epidural are available to our clients. Q: What is the difference between physician care and midwifery care? A: Physicians are trained in both medicine and surgery to care for disease processes. Nurse-midwives focus on pregnancy and birth as natural, healthy processes, and are specialists in this field. We are educated to support and protect the natural progression of pregnancy, labor and birth. Midwives maintain a woman's right to give birth in a personalized, positive manner. We believe that unless medically necessary, interventions should be kept to a minimum. Ample time is allowed at your office visits to allow for education, conversation and questions. We also schedule time to assist with birth preparation during your prenatal visits. We are proud to provide labor support, by being at the bedside for personalized support and care throughout labor, not just coming in at the end to deliver the baby.
A: Certified nurse-midwives are independent practitioners of women's health care. While more than 80% of women will need no medical intervention during their pregnancy, sometimes complications will arise. In this case, we will either consult with one of our Group physicians, or refer you for a consultation or in high risk situations we may recommend continuing your care with our physicians. If at any time, you would like to meet with one of our affiliated physicians, they are more than happy to meet with you and answer any questions you might have for them. Q: Do you allow a vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC)? A: Yes, we accept women who would like to attempt a VBAC in our practice. It has been shown that approximately 75% of women with a previous Caesarean section can successfully deliver vaginally. We need to obtain a copy of your operative report from your previous caesarean section, to be sure that the uterine incision is appropriate to allow labor. We do not accept women for VBAC who have had more than one Caesarean section. Q: What happens if there is an emergency while I am in labor? A: We work as a team with the nurses and our obstetricians at “The Group” to provide you with the highest level of medical care. Should the need arise, one of our physicians would be consulted and if needed perform a c-section with the midwife assisting and continuing to provide support. Genesis Medical Center also has a state of the art level II+ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with neonatologists available to provide for ill or premature newborns. One of our Group obstetricians are always at Genesis when we are delivering in the case of any last minute emergencies or if the need for a c-section arises. Q: Do you provide home birth services? A: Nurse Midwives at “The Group” do not provide home birth services. All of our births are done at Genesis’s progressive BirthCenter in Davenport. We do however provide well woman gynecological services to women who have delivered their babies at home. Q: Can I continue to see my midwife after I deliver my baby? A: We provide postpartum care, as well as a full range of gynecological care, including annual physical exams, breast exams, Pap smears, birth control, treatment for bladder and gynecological infections, and menopausal care. Many of our clients refer their daughters, sisters and mothers to us, as well as their friends. It is the highest compliment we can receive! Call us at (563)355-1853 to schedule an appointment with one of our |
Q: What is a certified nurse-midwife?
Q: Will I see a physician during my pregnancy?
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