Our certified nurse midwives can care for you throughout your pregnancy, independently or in conjunction with an OB/GYN.
Women who choose midwives note that they experienced care in a loving and supportive environment.
Prenatal Care
Your midwife will partner with you and your family to discuss your options for prenatal care and the birth of your baby. She will provide scientific, evidence-based information that can assist you in knowing how you would like your pregnancy and childbirth to proceed.
As a result of this personal attention, which starts immediately upon meeting with your midwife, you will be better prepared for childbirth.
With your midwife’s guidance, you can:
- understand how your body is naturally equipped for childbirth and increase your confidence in your ability to give birth
- prepare your mind and body for childbirth; for example, you and your midwife will discuss ways to practice relaxation
- understand which experiences throughout your pregnancy are normal and when to seek medical care
- make informed healthcare decisions for you and your baby
Labor
During labor, you will be attended by your support persons (i.e. a family member, partner, spouse, or loved ones), your nurse, and possibly a doula (if you have made arrangements to have a doula present).
Your midwife will guide you throughout labor and ensure that you are well informed throughout your experience. The word "midwife" means "with-women" and your midwife will work with you to have a safe, healthy, and empowering experience giving birth to your baby.
Your midwife will offer words of support and suggest ways to increase relaxation.
Many women who have chosen midwives proudly tell their birth stories. They often state, “My midwife helped me find the strength I needed to birth my baby.”
Pain Relief & Epidurals
Midwives help women to understand the natural process of labor. Simply understanding what is normal reduces fear in labor and increases coping abilities.
During your childbirth, all modes of pain relief will be evaluated, including:
- relaxation
- movement during labor
- hydrotherapy via jacuzzis, when available
- the creation of a birth space that allows for privacy and comfort
- the use of epidurals and other methods of pain management
Midwives are well known for suggesting different pain management positions and techniques, which can delay or eliminate the need for pain medication including an epidural. However, if pain medication is part of your birth plan, then you should know that the Mercy Midwives are supportive of your coping needs as well.
If you choose to have an epidural, the hospital’s anesthesiologists are available 24/7 to fulfill your request.
After Delivery
Your midwife can provide guidance on breastfeeding, handling anxiety and improving nutrition and exercise. She can also offer insight into the emotional changes that happen when you become a parent for the first time or add another child to the family.
Our midwives provide follow-up care after your delivery both in and outside the hospital. During your hospital stay, you can expect a daily visit from your midwife. Postpartum appointments are also scheduled, following your return home, to ensure your physical and emotional well being.
Midwifery care is for all stages of a woman's life. After the birth of your baby, we encourage patients to return for annual gynecological exams and family planning needs.