There are three types of midwives. Those with the highest level of training are Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM). A CNM has a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery and is a registered nurse who has graduated from an accredited midwifery program and passed a national certification exam. They must have a license to practice in their state, can prescribe most medications, and most practice in a hospital setting. In addition, they must perform continuing education and be recertified every five years. McLaren Flint only has CNMs on staff.
Midwives provide much of the same care as OB/GYNs. This includes pregnancy, labor, and labor pain management, birth, as well as family planning, preconception and infertility counseling, prescriptions, contraception, gynecologic care, cancer screening and clinical breast exams, immunizations, menopause care, sexual health management, sexually transmitted infections, and well-woman and primary care visits.
It is a misconception that midwives only attend home births. All of McLaren Flint’s midwifery-assisted deliveries happen at the hospital.
The birthing experience with a midwife can be as natural as the mom-to-be would like, but pain medications can be used. You can also change your mind along the way. For those expectant moms who prefer natural childbirth, the midwives have a variety of techniques to help with the process, including massage therapy, breathing techniques, yoga balls, peanut balls, and an upright birthing chair.
Midwives can also care for some high-risk patients. It depends on the specific condition that makes the patient high-risk.
Most insurances do cover midwifery care.
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