Midwives have helped women through pregnancy, labor, and delivery for centuries. Today’s midwives receive advanced medical training and are instrumental in the deliveries of healthy babies every day.
If you’re considering partnering with a midwife, however, you may have heard some of the many myths that surround the field. At Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare in Fayetteville, Newnan, and Stockbridge, Georgia, our certified nurse-midwives want to help you separate fact from fiction.
Keep reading as we debunk some of the most common myths about midwives so you have the information you need as you make choices about your care.
FACT: Licensed, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) in Georgia undergo extensive education and training.
Certified nurse-midwives in the United States are advanced practice nurses who graduate from a specialized education and training program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and pass a national certification examination.
In fact, most CNMs hold masters degrees in nursing or a similar field, and they must complete continuing education and renew their license on a regular basis to verify their knowledge and training are up to date.
FACT: Midwives help deliver babies in many settings, including homes, birthing centers, and hospitals.
When you partner with a midwife through Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare, you get the support and assistance you need from your midwife with the peace of mind that comes from delivering at a hospital in case you or your baby need special care.
The CNMs at Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare provide guidance and care throughout your labor and delivery at one of two area hospitals: Piedmont Fayette Hospital or Piedmont Newnan Hospital.
FACT: Midwives support many types of pain management therapies and techniques.
Many women hope to have natural, medication-free labor and delivery. And to this end, midwives have special expertise to help women manage their pain without medical intervention.
However, if you decide you want to use medical pain management during labor and delivery, as a medical provider, your midwife can ensure you get the pain medication you desire or see to it that an epidural is ordered.
FACT: Midwives can partner with medical physicians.
At Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare, our CNMs have a close partnership with our medical doctors. While midwife-assisted births typically involve fewer medical interventions, such as epidurals, episiotomies, and unplanned C-sections, our team of physicians is on hand to provide medical support if you or your baby need it.
To learn more about partnering with a certified nurse-midwife, call 770-991-2200 or book an appointment online with Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare today.
