Who Needs a Midwife?
Obstetricians have long been the primary caregivers during pregnancy and childbirth in the United States. But over the last several years, an increasing number of women are choosing certified nurse midwives (CNMs) for a more personalized and holistic approach.
If you’re expecting a baby, you might be wondering who needs a midwife. Finding the right health care provider for your needs and preferences is one of the most important decisions you can make — and our team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta is here to help.
We have both physicians and midwives on staff at our offices in Marietta and Woodstock, Georgia. Take a moment as we explore what a CNM is and highlight a few of the benefits of choosing midwife care during your pregnancy.
What is a certified nurse midwife?
CNMs are health care professionals who have specialized training in both nursing and midwifery. They’re registered nurses (RNs) who have completed advanced education in midwifery and earned a master's or doctoral degree.
CNMs are licensed to provide a wide range of women's health services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery assistance, and postpartum care. At OB/GYN Associates of Marietta, our CNMs work collaboratively with our physicians to deliver comprehensive care for pregnant women.
The benefits of choosing a CNM for your prenatal care
CNMs emphasize the emotional, social, and cultural aspects of pregnancy. We view childbirth as a natural and normal life event, and we strive to provide personalized care that builds strong patient-provider relationships.
We take time to get to know you, your needs, and your goals for pregnancy and birth. A few of the biggest benefits of choosing a CNM are:
Focus on education
We’re committed to empowering you with knowledge and information. From the start, we take a collaborative approach to care and make sure you’re well-informed about your care options. We encourage active participation in decision-making throughout your pregnancy.
Continuous support during labor
When it’s time for your baby to be born, we strive to provide continuous emotional and physical support. We take a hands-on approach, which can include comfort measures, encouragement, and guidance, from labor throughout the birthing process.
Lower intervention rates
If you’re seeking a natural childbirth experience, a midwife could be a good choice for you. Studies consistently show that women under the care of CNMs experience lower rates of interventions during childbirth, including epidurals, instrumental deliveries, episiotomies, and cesarean sections (C-sections).
Our CNMs often advocate for natural childbirth when appropriate, promoting the body's innate ability to give birth while closely monitoring the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Postpartum care and well-woman services
The support our midwives provide extends beyond the delivery room. We also offer comprehensive postpartum care to help you transition smoothly into the early days of motherhood.
Beyond childbirth, we provide ongoing well-woman services, including family planning, gynecological exams, and menopausal care. Our goal is to create and foster a long-term relationship that helps you achieve your best possible health.
If you’re looking for personalized, holistic pregnancy care, a midwife could be an appealing choice. Schedule an appointment at OB/GYN Associates of Marietta to learn more about working with our midwifery team through the transformative journey of pregnancy and childbirth.