A Meet and Greet With Our Midwife

Dan and I met with our Nurse-midwife, Dale, yesterday and we were very pleased. When we got to the office we were the only ones in the waiting area. Dale was in a room with another patient so we waited about 15 minutes before we were called in. While in the waiting area, we were greeted with relaxing music and a choice of herbal teas and mineral water. Once called in, Dale was extremely nice and stated that she would answer all of our questions but may be called away due to one of her patients who was in the beginning stages of labor. Even though she was busy, she didn't make us feel rushed. She answered all of our questions thoroughly and seemed really in tune to what we wanted out of our birth experience. Unlike my obstetrician, Dale thought it was a great idea to have a water birth due to my lymphedema. Dan and I were hooked. She's the one!

Dale gave us some reading material and some free samples of baby stuff (like Johnson's baby lotion). She advised us that during our appointments, we would have a full half hour with her to be examined and ask any questions. I love that…a full half hour! Wow, you would never get that with an obstetrician. You would be lucky to get 10 minutes after waiting in the waiting room for an hour! We made an appointment for my 16 week checkup and she gave us a form to send to the obstetrician so they can release my medical records for this pregnancy.  I'll also be touring the hospital with her at some point in the near future. She said the hospital was making a birthing center for her midwifery group so they can have their own private wing in the hospital. Although this most likely will not be ready by the time our baby comes in February. That's OK though, at least the hospital will still have that water birth room for us!

So that's it. Now we can move forward and concentrate on the pregnancy without having the stress of not getting the experience we desire. I know that while in labor, things can go differently than planned, but at least I have the initial plan that I hoped for and if things do change, I know it's because it HAD to, not because the obstetrician wanted it to.

What is a Nurse-Midwife:
(taken from Healthcommunities.com)

Nurse-midwives are registered nurses who have completed accredited midwifery programs. Once certified, they are certified nurse-midwives (CNMs). Nurse-midwives can write prescriptions and provide a variety of care, including:

Care after birth Disease prevention Family planning assistance Gynecological exams Health maintenance counseling

Labor and delivery care Menopausal management/li> Newborn care Preconception care Prenatal care

Nurse-midwives collaborate with physicians, especially in problem pregnancies. In general health care, nurse-midwives work with other medical professionals to provide comprehensive health care resources. When additional medical advice or surgical care is needed, they refer women to the appropriate physician.

The philosophy of nurse-midwifery is based on providing health care to women, while acknowledging and respecting their needs. They encourage patient education, active participation, clear communication between the provider and the woman, and an individualized health care experience.

Perhaps the best-known facet of nurse-midwifery is the commitment to facilitating uncomplicated pregnancy. Nurse-midwives provide information about different types of care available and encourage women to enhance their pregnancy by being involved. Nurse-midwives advocate birth education, natural childbirth, and the participation of the entire family. They rely on technology only when it is medically necessary. Thus, cesarean sections and episiotomies are less common when care is provided by a CNM.

Requirements for Certified Nurse-Midwives

The tradition of nurse-midwives has existed since the 1920s and the American College Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) formed in 1955 to oversee the development of the field. The ACNM has defined the criteria for nurse-midwifery. Nurse-midwives receive education and training in nursing and midwifery and must be licensed. The requirements for certification are similar to those for certified midwives.

To become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), candidates must successfully complete these requirements:

• Completion of an accredited nursing program
• Licensure as a Registered nurse
• Satisfactory completion of a program in nurse-midwifery from an accredited institute

Once a candidate meets these requirements, he or she can take the national certification examination administered by the ACNM Certification Council (ACC). After passing the exam, the candidate receives nurse-midwife certification. Because state licensing laws vary, there may be additional requirements.

The National Center for Health Statistics reports that in 1998, 277,811 births were CNM-attended in the United States. CNMs usually work in private physician practices, hospitals, clinics, free-standing birth centers, and health departments. They may have their own private practices and occasionally attend home births. All states mandate Medicaid reimbursement and most require private insurance reimbursement for nurse-midwifery services.