Midwifery Services
At Santa Rosa Medical Group, midwives provide healthcare services for individuals across their lifespan. They partner with you to help make important health decisions and work with other members of the healthcare team when needed. A midwife may also be your primary care provider.
Midwives provide care during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. They also provide reproductive and primary health care which includes annual physical exams, birth control, menopause care, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and other health problems.
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) can prescribe most medications and also care for newborns through the first 30 days of life.
Why would I choose a midwife for care during my pregnancy?
Midwives view pregnancy and birth as normal life events that can be a healthy time in your life. Midwives are experienced in knowing the difference between normal changes that occur and symptoms that require extra attention. They develop special relationships with those who seek midwifery care. They provide care that includes support and education based on the individual’s needs.
Midwives use evidence-based medical procedures when there is a specific concern for the health of you or your baby. They work in partnership with obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYN) at Santa Rosa who can be available if needed. Midwives offer health care that respects the goals and desires of each individual and family. They value sharing information so patients can make informed choices about their health care.
What if I want pain medicine during labor?
Your midwife will help you make decisions about how you are going to cope with pain during labor. Midwives can discuss the types of pain you may experience during labor and the different ways that you can manage pain.
If you want medicine to cope with your labor pains, your midwife can help you get medicine that is available in the setting where you give birth. Midwives also know other ways to help you cope with labor such as changing positions or being in a tub of water. These can be helpful in addition to pain medications.
What if I have a high-risk pregnancy or complication during labor?
Your CNM can prescribe medicine, order tests and provide treatment for common illnesses that may occur during pregnancy. Midwives work with Santa Rosa OB/GYNs who specialize in complications of pregnancy. If you have a medical problem during pregnancy or complications during labor, your midwife will work with a physician to make sure you get the best and safest care for you and your baby. Midwives do not perform surgery. If you need to have a cesarean birth, the surgery will be done by the physician who works with your midwife. Your midwife will also work with other healthcare providers: nurses, pediatricians, social workers, nutritionists, doulas, childbirth educators, physical therapists and other specialists to help you get the care you need.
How to Choose Between a Midwife and an OB/GYN
Similarities:
- Both OB-GYNs and certified nurse midwives are highly trained and are licensed and regulated by the states in which they practice
- Both are committed to your safety and comfort and can prescribe drugs like pain medication
- Above all, both strive to ensure you have a good experience throughout your pregnancy and delivery
Differences:
OB-GYN
- Manages high-risk pregnancies and any complications that can arise during delivery. If you have known medical issues or a previous obstetrical history that you’re concerned about, you may want to visit an OB-GYN
- Performs C-sections and other gynecologic procedures
Certified Nurse Midwife
- Offers alternative deliveries
- Consults your healthcare team to create a plan of care if issues arise
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Midwife
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- How long have you been a midwife?
- Where would you care for me during childbirth?
- Do you work with other midwives or physicians?
- What birth settings do you work in?
- How do you feel about birth?
- If I need medication for pain, how would that be handled?
- If you work in a group, who will attend my birth, and who will be there if you are away?
- How do you recommend that I prepare for childbirth?
- Do provide labor support and stay with me throughout labor?
- Are you comfortable with doulas or family and friends being with me during labor?
- Do allow moving around and eating or drinking during labor?
- Can I hold my baby right after birth, breastfeed and not be separated?
- When do you recommend IVs, fetal heart rate monitoring, Pitocin or episiotomy?
- Are you trained in newborn resuscitation?