Frequently Asked Questions

1. Must I have a natural childbirth if I chose a nurse-midwife?

No. Nurse-midwifery philosophy supports a woman's choice in the management of pain in childbirth. Women who desire a natural childbirth are attracted to midwifery care because midwives provide support during labor. That support, which is both physical and emotional, enables women to be more likely to achieve a natural birth. But, not all women want natural childbirth. Depending on the birth site (home versus hospital) anesthesia or pain medication are used by nurse-midwives and would be available to women in their care. Ask your nurse-midwife about the options available at her birth site.

2. What makes a nurse-midwife different from an obstetrician?

Nurse-midwives are educated in two professions-midwifery and nursing. Nurse-midwives practice under an "Advanced Practice" nursing license in the state of Vermont. Midwifery philosophy is based on supporting and educating the individual woman and her family throughout her healthcare (pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, well women gynecology) by helping her determine what choices are best in her unique situation. Midwives follow the same standards of care outlined by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. However, a hallmark of midwifery is the humanistic and non-interventional approach to health care. Midwives support the normal, healthy life cycles women go through, while at the same time have access to medical interventions if that is needed.

3. Is home birth dangerous?

No, not for healthy women who do not have risk factors that would interfere with their chances of having a healthy birth. 2% of all births in the State of Vermont are attended in the home. Statistics have been gathered nationally that support the safety of home birth. Research shows there is not difference in survival rates between babies born at home vs. in a hospital. However, home birth statistics show fewer medical interventions, fewer babies born in poor condition, mothers are less likely to have vaginal lacerations, and less likely to have their labor induced or augmented or to have a c-section, forceps or vacuum deliveries (from Olsen, O. "Meta-Analysis of the Safety of Home Birth." Birth. 1997 Mar 24 (1): 4-13). For more information on home births visit www.midwifery.com/midwifery.

4. What does a midwife do?

Nurse-midwives provide primary health care for women who desire an individual approach to their care. Midwifery care includes prenatal care, labor & delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, newborn care, family planning and birth control options, preconception care, menopausal management, and counseling in health maintenance and disease preventions. With a nurse-midwife, a woman is listened to, educated, and encouraged to take an active role in the decisions and options available to her. Midwives provide an expertise in normal pregnancy, birth, postpartum and well women gynecology. All nurse-midwives in Vermont practice with a consulting/collaborating physician and will consult, collaborate or refer when questions or problems arise.

5. Why see a nurse-midwife?

Nurse-midwifery care is woman-centered and based on the philosophy that health care should be safe and satisfying. CNMs are committed to promoting self-determination, the right to obtain complete information about the care and enhancing the normal process of pregnancy and birth through education and supportive intervention. While CNMs are qualified to administer drugs, perform medical procedures and provide their clients with other technological interventions, they rely on technology only when medically neccessary. As a result, women under the care of a CNM are less likely to have a c-section or an episiotomy and are more likely to experience a vaginal birth after a c-section.

6. What will a midwife cost?

Midwifery care costs essentially the same as physician care, but you may get more for your money. Typically midwives' schedules allow for longer appointment times per patient. This allows the midwife time to educate a woman on the normal changes she may be experiencing and involve her in the decision making process. Midwives also provide excellent labor support and are available to the woman and family throughout the labor, birth and after. During the postpartum and breatfeeding period, midwives provide support via the telephone or more frequent visits.

7. Is midwifery covered by health insurance?

Most major insurance carriers cover midwifery services.