AP: Pregnancy Care (ante partum)

Nurse-midwives provide care for women who are planning a pregnancy to help them make positive health choices prior to conception. Following diagnosis of pregnancy (a positive pregnancy test) they will offer holistic care to a women and her family giving advice, information and guidance throughout in order that the family is prepared to welcome the baby into their lives.

IP: Labor and Birth (intrapartum)

Nurse-midwives are available to help and give support during labor in order to help a woman achieve the birth she desires. During pregnancy the mother, midwife team will formulate a birth plan according to the specific needs of the pregnancy and the desires and wishes of the mother to be. The midwife will endeavor to follow the birthplan giving support and guidance as needed once the woman is in labor. She will help the woman make choices during labor as the need arises. The nurse-midwife is educated and trained to suggest and offer a variety of methods to help a women cope with pain in labor. S/He can order medications and anesthesia during the labor to help with pain relief if the mother wishes. At all times the safety of the mother and baby are the priority.

PP: After Birth (post partum)

The nurse-midwife is able to offer care and support during this important transition time for the new family. S/He is trained to assist with establishing breastfeeding and able to provide advice and counseling with referral if necessary for breast feeding complications. The nurse-midwife pays close attention to the emotional needs of the new family giving time to address the concerns and recognize the onset of postpartum depression for early intervention. A nurse-midwife will see a woman as often as is necessary during the 6 week postpartum period to facilitate a healthy transition for the new family.