Women's Care of Wisconsin has Certified Nurse Midwives who are licensed healthcare professionals that specialize in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. We offer hospital-based midwifery services, delivering babies at ThedaCare Regional Medical Centers in Appleton and Neenah.
While midwives are best known for their care of women during pregnancy and childbirth, they are also experts in general women’s health. Our Certified Nurse Midwives can provide routine gynecology appointments (Pap tests and pelvic exams), breast exams, patient education, basic nutrition counseling, birth control options (including pills, injections, implants, IUDs, etc.), family planning, prenatal care, birth, postpartum care, vaginal infections, STD and HIV screenings, mammography referrals, and much more!
Doctor vs. Midwife... Who to choose?
When deciding which provider to choose for your healthcare, it is important to know you have options. Do some research, ask questions (trust us, there are no silly questions), talk with both an OB/GYN doctor and a Certified Nurse Midwife, and most importantly, pay attention to what your wants and needs are!
Besides medical training, the main difference between having a doctor or a midwife is on the day of delivery. A Certified Nurse Midwife is with you from beginning to end. She becomes your companion, your mentor, your cheerleader; to guide and encourage you throughout the entire process. Many women choose a midwife because they want extra emotional support. For some, especially first-time moms, understanding what to expect and having an expert by your side can make labor much less stressful.
What are the benefits of using a Midwife during pregnancy?
- greater emotional support throughout labor
- guidance and coaching for both mom and her support person
- birth plans tailored to your specific needs
- recommendations for position changes
- shorter labors
- lower c-section and other intervention rates
Choosing to use a midwife is appropriate for low-risk pregnancies which make up 60 to 80% of all pregnancies. Those that fall into the category of high-risk can have both a midwife and an OB/GYN doctor overseeing the pregnancy and delivery. Women’s Care of Wisconsin has a team approach to high-risk pregnancies. All of our Certified Nurse Midwives are trained to recognize problems that might occur during pregnancy and/or delivery. If at some point you become high-risk or emergency surgery is necessary, they will call in an OB/GYN doctor as a backup. Your midwife can still stay by your side and assist with the delivery, whether it is vaginal or cesarean, providing support along the way.
When choosing a provider to care for you, make sure it is someone you feel completely comfortable with. Planning ahead and knowing what options are available is an important step in selecting the best provider for you.
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