About Midwifery
Greenville OB/GYN includes eastern North Carolina’s largest regional midwifery practice. Made up of five certified nurse midwives (CNM), and growing, we have been leaders in providing midwifery services to our patients. Our team specializes in everything from prenatal care and family planning to total women’s wellness and reproductive health. Women’s Health—from Head to Soul.
Midwifery
Midwifery is the practice of care before and during pregnancy, at childbirth, and in the postpartum period. Midwives are certified healthcare professionals who also specialize in sexual and reproductive health, gynecologic services, and family planning. Most midwives are nurses and practice alongside OB/GYNs and anesthesiologists to ensure the best care is delivered. Many individuals seek midwifery care when they want a more holistic, or non-medicated, approach to their birthing experience.
Midwives offer a number of healthcare services, including prenatal care. This includes prenatal appointments, prenatal blood work, routine pregnancy monitoring, and ultrasounds. They will monitor your baby’s development throughout the pregnancy.
This is to help prevent unnecessary complications and address any problems that may arise. As soon as you know you are pregnant, you may seek the care of a midwife.
Many people wanting a natural birth experience will seek the care of midwives. Midwives are experts in natural births. They will ensure you have a safe and healthy delivery, while also respecting your desire to have a natural birth. Should you decide a natural birth is not right for you, your Certified Nurse Midwife has expertise in and will advise on the right option for medication for you.
Having gone through a cesarean (c-section) in the past does not mean you cannot deliver your next baby vaginally. This is referred to as a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Your Certified nurse Midwife and OB care team can determine if a VBAC is right for you.
Many people think of midwives as providers of care only during pregnancy or delivery, but they also specialize in postpartum care. After birth, you are going to be faced with many challenges and decisions. During this time, your midwife will support your recovery and promote your baby’s health.
Your midwife can also be your coach and counselor in the weeks and months after delivery. Your OB/healthcare team can also help with breastfeeding, provide nutritional counseling, and assist in finding a pediatrician or other healthcare provider for your baby.
Your midwife will provide you with the education and information you need to not only start breastfeeding, but also maintain breastfeeding for as long as you desire. A midwife can help you prepare your body for breastfeeding, even before you have your baby. Breastfeeding takes time and patience to get into a routine, and difficulties during breastfeeding can occur. You will work with your midwife to prevent or address these difficulties, including infection, sore nipples, or latching issues.
Your midwife will provide you with the nutritional counseling you need both during pregnancy and as a new parent. A healthy diet throughout pregnancy and after birth will ensure both you and your baby are receiving appropriate nutrients.
During pregnancy, your midwife will counsel you through nutritional practices that will support you carrying another life. After birth, there are several nutritional practices to consider for both you and your baby, especially if you are breastfeeding. Your midwife will counsel you through your own recovery from childbirth and help you provide optimal nutrients to your baby.
FAQs
What is the difference between a midwife and an OB physician?
Midwives are not physicians like obstetricians (OB) and gynecologists. Most midwives in the United States are nurses and have specialty certification in midwifery. Midwives work closely with physicians to provide comprehensive obstetric care before, during, and after childbirth.
What education and credentials are required for a CNM?
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) have completed nursing school and have a graduate degree from a midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). In addition to pregnancy care and delivery, they can provide reproductive care, prescribe medication, order lab tests, diagnose conditions, and provide nutritional counseling. CNMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board, the professional association representing CNMs in the United States.
