All expecting mothers deserve the best possible pregnancy care. For many women, this means working with a midwife. Making appointments with a midwife can keep you supported from pregnancy preparation to delivery. This guide will teach you the basics of midwifery and how these professionals can improve your pregnancy care.

What Expecting Mothers Should Know About Midwives

What Are Midwives?

A midwife is a licensed health professional who supports a woman throughout her life, including pregnancy preparation, during pregnancy, during labor and birth, and after the baby is born. They also see women for annual exams, birth control, and gynecological visits. A midwife can deliver babies in birthing centers, at home, or at a hospital. These professionals practice with different credentials, including certified nurse-midwives — CNMs — certified midwives — CMs — and certified professional midwives — CPMs. Federal law classifies CNMs as primary care providers.  New York State classifies CNMs and CMs as Licensed Midwives, both of whom can attend births in hospitals.  Midwives collaborate with physicians, but are independent practitioners.  The midwives at Oswego County OB-GYN attend births in the hospital setting only.

How Can I Benefit From Working With a Midwife?

Midwives provide various health services for expecting mothers. During your pregnancy, a midwife can perform prenatal exams, work with you on physical and mental health, discuss lifestyle changes for your health, and help you learn about childbirth. Once you go into labor, a midwife can provide emotional and physical support. Many women who prefer a natural birthing process will choose to receive midwifery care, however, many women who have an epidural or other pain medication or interventions also have midwives.

Will a Midwife Work With My Obstetrician? 

Midwives will collaborate with obstetricians during a patient’s pregnancy.  For patients with certain complications during pregnancy, the obstetrician will be available for consult and sometimes care is shared between a midwife and an OB. If a patient requires care that is outside of a midwife’s scope of practice, an OB will be asked to manage the patient's care for all or a part of a patient's pregnancy. However, it is rare that a midwife would not be able to be at least one part of the care team for a patient. For women who require cesarean sections, sometimes a midwife will also be the surgical assistant to the obstetrician performing the surgery. This can create continuity of care for a patient who initially tried laboring but was unable to have a vaginal birth. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, so it’s vital to talk to your provider about pregnancy preparation and care that fits your needs.

If you are expecting a child, you need the right health care team on your side. Oswego County OB-GYN  has a team of physicians, midwives, and other staff to support your health during and after pregnancy. From pregnancy preparation to delivery, you can expect the best in women’s health care in their comfortable, friendly offices. For more information on their services, you can visit their website or call (315) 343-2590 today.