Nurse midwifery is one of the oldest advanced-practice nursing specialties. Today, nurse midwives offer so much more than care during pregnancy and childbirth, supporting women’s health at every stage, from adolescence through menopause. Whether delivering babies in hospitals (where over 90% of midwife-assisted births occur) or offering routine gynecologic care, learn more about what midwives do and how our midwifery team at Essex County OB/GYN is here to support you.
What does a midwife do?
Midwives offer a full spectrum of comprehensive care, from family planning and regular gynecological exams to labor and delivery and postpartum support. They take a personalized approach to care, focusing on the patient’s physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs and preferences. Midwives typically develop strong relationships with their clients, which helps to ensure that their birth experience is as natural as possible and aligns with both their values and preferences. Additionally, midwives provide education on various aspects of reproductive health to their patients, including nutrition, lactation, fertility, and birth control.
Are there different types of midwives?
There are two different types of midwives: Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs). CNMs are registered nurses who have completed a graduate program in midwifery and are certified to provide care. CMs are also licensed and educated in midwifery, but may have come from a different educational background.
When should I choose a midwife?
Both OB/GYNs and midwives offer compassionate, expert care for your reproductive health, each with their own unique focus and approach to supporting you on your journey.
Consider an OB if you:
- Have a high-risk pregnancy or a history of complications
- Need surgical interventions (C-section, fibroid removal, etc.)
- Require specialized care for complex reproductive conditions (PCOS, endometriosis)
Consider a midwife if you:
- Have a low-risk pregnancy and prefer a more natural approach to childbirth
- Want a more holistic experience
- Prefer fewer medical interventions, but still want the option for epidurals or pain relief.
- Need routine gynecologic care or family planning support.
Midwifery at Essex County OB/GYN
At Essex County OB/GYN, we have an incredible team of midwives ready to guide you through your pregnancy journey. Our midwives also provide routine gynecologic care, including annual exams, breast health screening, and contraceptive counseling. Whether you’re planning a family or seeking routine care, we’re here to support your reproductive health journey at every stage.
Here’s what a few have had to say about their experiences in the midwifery field:
“Being able to care for women in a kind and compassionate manner is such a privilege for me! I was called to midwifery at a young age after helping my older sister through her pregnancy and birth, and after having some not-so-positive experiences of my own. I vowed to always keep an open mind and really try to listen to and respect women while educating them about their bodies and their choices. I love to be a part of a woman’s journey throughout her life, whether it be her first GYN exam, pregnancy, contraceptive choices, or peri/post-menopause.”
“Midwifery called me from an early age. The opportunity to develop a trusting relationship with a patient, one within which we can explore what is right for that person at that time, is a privilege. Each person is an expert about themself and their family. My role is to empower people with the information and expertise needed to make the best medical decisions for themselves and their families (after all, you can’t get all the information you need from Google). This doesn’t mean we always agree, but I love seeing patients use the best scientific evidence to take charge of their health.”
“I am dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge and tools to take an active role in their reproductive healthcare. Guided by the belief that my clients are the experts of their own lives, I strive to support informed, confident decision-making that honors their unique needs and experiences.”
To book an appointment with our midwifery team at Essex County OB/GYN, contact us today!