The origins of midwifery date far back in history. Today, interest seems to be resurging among expectant parents who are looking for an intimate childbirth experience in the hospital—with a more holistic approach to care.
Anne Lawson, CNM, a certified nurse midwife at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center, provides everything from gynecology and contraception to birthing and postnatal care. She is part of a growing team of nurse midwives who perform in-hospital deliveries, and she’s clearing up some misconceptions about their role.
Myth 1: Midwives Can Only Handle Normal Pregnancies
Fact: Midwives are skilled in managing normal, low-, and moderate-risk pregnancies. They’re trained to work with obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine specialists to swiftly handle unexpected situations. Although some midwives deliver babies at home or birthing centers, Atlantic Health midwives deliver solely in a hospital.
Myth 2: Midwives Are Similar to Doulas
Fact: Doulas have no medical training. They primarily provide emotional support during the birthing process. Conversely, certified nurse midwives (CNM) have a masters or doctorate degree in nursing with specialized training and a license to practice. There are varying educational levels, but a CNM is a skilled nurse who specializes in gynecology, low-to-moderate-risk obstetrics, and postnatal care.
Myth 3: Midwives Can’t Administer Pain Relief
Fact: Midwives want to support whatever type of childbirth experience a person desires. If it’s unmedicated, they’ll offer techniques to facilitate this. If an epidural is desired, IV pain medication, or nitrous oxide therapy, the midwife will support that choice and assist in bringing the patient comfort.
Myth 4: Midwives Only Do Home Births
Fact: Although midwifery is on the rise, only 10% of births in America are delivered by midwives, 90% of which are in a hospital. Hospital settings allow certified nurse midwives to provide a very personalized experience to those who may not be comfortable with a home birth or birthing center experience, or anyone with high medical risk.
Myth 5: Midwives only deliver babies
Fact: Midwives are trained in both obstetrics and gynecology. This means they are skilled in women’s healthcare at all stages of life, from their first menstrual cycle through menopause. This type of lifelong relationship can include primary care support, routine gynecologic exams, pap smears, and contraception – all with a holistic approach.
Myth 6: Midwives Don’t Spend Time with Their Patients
Fact: A major advantage of midwifery care is their emphasis on building relationships with patients. Midwives spend extended time during prenatal visits discussing a patient’s concerns and preferences. This holistic approach can lead to a better birthing experience and outcome.
Myth 7: Midwives Can’t Handle Complications
Fact: Nurse midwives are trained to handle emergencies. Those at low risk can start with midwifery care and move to an obstetrician or specialist if an issue develops. Patients with certain medical conditions should work directly with a maternal-fetal specialist. If you’re uncertain about your medical condition, a pre-conception consultation with a midwife or obstetrician is helpful.
Myth 8: Midwives Only Handle Natural Childbirth
Fact: Childbirth is unpredictable, and midwives are trained to handle situations that may not have been part of a person’s birth plan. Midwives appreciate that most labors will happen naturally, without intervention. Their goal is to provide each patient with a labor process that makes sure mother and baby are healthy and safe.
“Expectant parents get exceptional care where midwives are involved and have access to obstetricians and surgical management, which is sometimes necessary,” says Anne.
“Nurse midwives offer the full scope OB/GYN care. We give new parents a personalized midwife experience in a hospital setting where there’s an emergency safety net—and it is all typically covered by insurance.”
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