Obstetricians are doctors who specialize in pregnancy and delivery. Most women in the United States have an obstetrician when they’re pregnant, but did you know that obstetricians aren’t the only medical professionals qualified to provide prenatal care?
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who have completed a graduate program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. CNMs offer high-quality, personalized care for low- and moderate-risk pregnancies.
Midwives are present during labor and delivery for an estimated 8% of births each year. That might not seem like a lot, but midwifery is rapidly growing in popularity.
At OB-GYN Associates of Marietta, we’re proud to have CNMs and obstetricians on our care team. If you’re curious about having a midwife during your pregnancy, take this opportunity to learn more about the nurse-midwife model of care.
Pregnancy is a complex, exciting, and life-changing process for women. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and wonder how to best take care of your health and your baby’s during the process, and CNMs are trained to give you the mental and physical support you need.
The nurse-midwife model of care honors the normalcy of pregnancy and birth. CNMs educate women about pregnancy and work with your body’s natural process — not against it. We strive to give every woman a positive pregnancy and birth experience, with as little medical intervention as possible.
Our midwifery team provides comprehensive care for women throughout pregnancy. We combine medical checkups, education, and counseling from your first prenatal appointment through the postpartum period after birth.
CNMs are medical professionals with advanced specialty training. We are licensed to provide medical care, but we take a conservative approach to treatment. The nurse-midwife model of care prioritizes watchful waiting and non-intervention in normal, biological processes like pregnancy.
We monitor your health and your baby’s development at regular prenatal appointments. If your pregnancy is low- or moderate-risk, it’s likely that you won’t require medical intervention during your pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
If we identify changes in your health, we can refer you to an obstetrician or another specialist at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta as needed. With our unique model of care, you get the best of personalized care and advanced medical treatment to ensure your healthiest possible pregnancy.
One of the biggest differences between choosing a midwife and choosing an obstetrician is the level of personalized care you’ll receive. CNMs prioritize establishing trusting, compassionate relationships with our patients and their families.
Our midwives strive to empower women in their own health. We work to understand each woman’s unique experience and champion her goals for labor and delivery.
When you have a midwife, you’re in control of your birth plan. CNMs can attend births in hospitals, birthing centers, and even at home in some cases.
Our team listens to your cues during labor and delivery, using therapeutic techniques to support you without medication or interventions. For women interested in a personal, natural birth experience, a midwife acts as your partner in health.
Are you interested in having a midwife during your pregnancy? Schedule a consultation at our Marietta or Woodstock, Georgia, office today to meet our midwife team.
