Midwife care at Ascension St. John

Certified nurse-midwives (CNM) are licensed healthcare professionals with expertise in providing care to women during pregnancy, labor, delivery and the postpartum recovery period.

In addition to providing care during pregnancy and childbirth, certified nurse-midwives are also healthcare providers to women throughout their lifespace, providing gynecology, annual exams and well-woman care.

Birth experience with a certified nurse-midwife

Choosing the right care team for the delivery of your child is an important decision. Our certified nurse-midwives at our birthing centers start by listening to you, to get to know you. Then, we deliver one-on-one care during pregnancy, labor and delivery, including:

• Woman-centered care
• Emotional support
• Birthing options without epidural, including birthing balls and squat bars
• Breastfeeding education
• Postpartum care

If you prefer midwifery care, our certified nurse-midwives can work closely with your primary care doctor. If additional care is needed during pregnancy or birth, OB-GYNs and other specialists are on-site at our women’s hospitals and birthing centers.

Our maternity services include advanced care for high-risk pregnancies with access to specialists for mother and baby. Using a nurse-midwife may not be an option in high-risk pregnancies.

Holistic approach to women’s health services

Certified nurse-midwives also provide primary care to women, including:

• Annual female exams
• Family planning
• Pelvic and breast exam
• Menopause symptom management
• Teen education about body processes
• Well-woman care for minor gynecologic infections and sexually transmitted infections

Educating women about their health options

Our certified nurse-midwives focus on educating you and answering your questions about your health and the changes in your body as you age. We listen to understand your needs. Then, we deliver care that is right for you.