Midwifery

What can a midwife do?

A midwife is a registered nurse with many years of obstetrical experience who has gone through extensive education, training, and certification. Your midwife can be your go-to person long before you become pregnant, by helping you with infertility issues or counseling you through conception. You’ll get most of the same care and treatment options with a midwife that you’ll get with an OB/GYN. Your midwife can:

• Conduct prenatal examinations
• Order laboratory tests
• Monitor your pregnancy progress
• Help you with birthing options
• Provide diet and nutrition guidance
• Teach you about breastfeeding
• Deliver your baby
• Admit and discharge you from the hospital
• Care for you during the post-partum period

Additionally, your dedicated midwife has direct access to an OB/GYN at the office who is also familiar with your pregnancy and birthing plans. This way, you can feel confident that you are in expert caring hands.

At Teverbaugh Croland, and Mueller we have a "Meet The Midwives" session 4 times a year. This is an opportunity for patients to meet all the midwives and ask questions. We also have a speaker on related pregnancy topics.

Why should I choose a midwife over an obstetrician?

You and your partner should weigh out all of your concerns and birthing plans before selecting the right provider for your pregnancy and delivery.

Having a midwife by your side is like having your very own pregnancy and delivery coach. She’ll provide emotional support and teach you how to care for your newborn. Many women prefer choosing midwives, simply because they want their childbirth to be natural, without the use of modern medicine.

Because your midwife specializes in labor and delivery, not only can she help you have that natural experience, she’s trained in handling many high-risk or emergency situations right alongside your obstetrician.

Are there other benefits to selecting a midwife?

Yes, according to the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM). When you include a midwife as part of your pregnancy and birthing plan, you could have a decreased risk of needing a cesarean section (C-section). Our C/S rate for first-time moms is approximately 10%. You’ll be less likely to need regional anesthesia, experience fewer perineal tears, and have a lower chance of needing to be induced. Many women even report being more satisfied with their quality of care and having a more positive breastfeeding experience.