In choosing the right prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, a growing number of women are opting for midwifery care for their pregnancy and birth – and for good reasons.
Midwives are certified health care professionals who, depending on their certification and licensing credentials, provide a comprehensive range of health care services for women that include:
- Annual gynecological examinations
- Family planning and contraceptive counseling
- Reproductive education in fertility
- Nutritional and exercise
- Prescriptions
- Labor and delivery support
- Breastfeeding instruction
- Newborn care and guidance
Let’s take a closer look at the specific ways in which a midwife can help you before, during, and after your pregnancy.
The Benefits of a Midwife
As qualified health care providers, midwives receive comprehensive training and must pass an examination to become certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). There are many types of nurse-midwives, including:
- Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM), midwives trained and licensed in both nursing and midwifery.
- Certified Midwives (CM), individuals trained and certified in midwifery.
- Certified Professional Midwives (CPM), individuals trained in midwifery who meet the standards of the North American Registry of Midwives.
As noted by the ACNM, midwifery offers numerous benefits to expectant mother, including:
- A decreased risk of requiring a cesarean delivery
- A lower rate of labor induction and augmentation
- The reduced use of regional anesthesia
- A decrease in infant mortality rates
- A decreased risk of preterm birth
- Lower medical costs for both patients and insurers
- An increased chancesof having a positive start to breastfeeding
- Increased patient satisfaction with their quality of care
Aside from providing expert care throughout your pregnancy, a nurse-midwife offers emotional support, acting as a partner in the successful birth of your child. Your relationship with a nurse-midwife is often a close collaboration, with the common goal of ensuring the health and wellbeing of both you and your baby.
If you have any concerns about a nurse-midwife’s qualifications compared to those of an obstetrician, it should be noted that nurse-midwives routinely consult with obstetricians, perinatologists, and other healthcare professionals, and will refer you to an appropriate medical professional if complications arise.However, if yours is as a high-risk pregnancy or if complications are anticipated, it is recommended that you choose a hospital setting – as opposed to home delivery –where you will have convenient access to obstetric professionals specially trained in addressing complications affecting you or your baby.
Midwife and Prenatal Care Near You in Lithonia, Decatur, and Stone Mountain, Georgia
At DeKalb Women’s Specialists, our team of highly trained and experienced physicians also includes certified nurse-midwives who provide comprehensive and exceptional obstetrics and prenatal care.
Our midwives routinely conduct comprehensive assessments, make diagnoses, and treat pregnant women who are experiencing common problems, such as morning sickness, fatigue, backache, and acid reflux. They can also prescribe medicationsand can order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests.
The nurse-midwives at DeKalb Women’s Specialists are dedicated to not only helpingensure the health and safety of you and your baby during your pregnancy, but also preparing you for a safe and rewarding labor and delivery experience. They also continue to provide the highest quality obstetrical care after you give birth, ensuring that you heal properly and receive the guidance you need during your postpartum period.
To learn more about our midwifery services, contact Dekalb Women’s Specialists in Decatur, Stonecrest, and Stone Mountain, Georgia, by calling (404) 508-2000 or requesting your appointment online.
