What A Nurse Midwife Does

Today, expectant mothers have more options when it comes to their care during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. While many rely on the services of an obstetrician, a growing number are choosing a nurse midwife to meet their needs.

Nurse midwives are advanced nurse practitioners (APRNs) who provide care to women from adolescence through menopause. Pregnant women, provide care during prenatal visits, attend the birth, and provide care after the baby is born. Nurse midwives focus on holistic and individualized care for childbirth and reproductive care and act as primary care providers.

Specializing in both childbirth and women’s reproductive health, nurse midwives provide care similar to that of an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN)to women as young as adolescents and those well into their menopausal years. However, they are known for providing care for pregnant women during their prenatal visits, while giving birth, and after their babies are born.

So, what specifically does a nurse midwife do? Let’s take a closer look.

COMMON TASKS AND DUTIES OF A NURSE MIDWIFE

Nurse midwives work with doctors and other healthcare professionals – such as nurses, dietitians, and physical therapists – to provide such prenatal services as:

• Confirming and dating a pregnancy
• Providing both prenatal and postpartum care
• Performing exam
• Ordering diagnostic testing and lab work
• Prescribing medications
• Performing preventive health screenings
• Diagnosing and treating gynecological disorders that might affect a pregnancy (such as sexually transmitted diseases or infertility)
• Monitoring mother and fetus during labor
• Assessing the progress of labor
• Managing any pregnancy complications
• Assisting with pain management
• Preparing the patient for the birthing process
• Performing episiotomies if necessary
• Delivering the newborn
• Birth control management
• Menstrual cycle concerns
• Vaginal infections
• Sexually transmitted infections screenings and treatment
• Annual preventative maintenance
• Menopause management

In terms of postpartum care, nurse midwives are just as involved, providing education on infant care for new parents and supporting new mothers who intend to breastfeed with education and training.

Like an OB/GYN, nurse midwives are highly trained medical professionals who must first obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), then pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam before completing a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP), and applying and testing for certification by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).

THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A NURSE MIDWIFE

A growing number of women are choosing to use a nurse midwife, because it provides them with more options for their birth plan and gives them more control over their birthing experience, and what type of drug interventions their comfortable using. Also, using a nurse midwife affords a better chance of having a natural vaginal birth. In fact, studies have found that babies delivered with the support of a midwife often have higher birth weights, a lower risk of preterm birth, and a lower risk for cesarean delivery.

During labor, your nurse midwife is by your side, guiding you through delivery and providing options for pain management that can reduce your need for intervention drugs or even cesarean birth. If medical intervention is needed at any time during your pregnancy or labor, your nurse-midwife will provide a  medical team for your special care.

Once your baby is born, your nurse-midwife will still be there to support you, offering breastfeeding guidance and monitoring your well-being into the postpartum period.

NURSE MIDWIVES IN WOOSTER, OHIO

The obstetrics unit at Wooster Community Hospital, the Women’s Pavilion, offers exceptional, personalized maternity care for women, including our team of highly trained and experienced certified nurse midwives who can provide exceptional service throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)/Certified Nurse Midwife Lindsay Collins recently joined the provider team at Wooster Community Hospital, where she works to deliver the expertise and special individualized care you require to make the birth of your baby a cherished and memorable experience.

For more information, call us at (330) 263-8144, and we will direct you to the appropriate department or contact person.