Who and what are
midwives?
Our practice offers women the opportunity
to obtain full-service obstetric, gynecologic and midwifery care
in an interdisciplinary group practice of physicians and certified
nurse-midwives.
Nurse-Midwifery practice is "the
independent management of women's health care, focusing particularly
on primary care issues, family planning and gynecologic needs
of women, pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and the
care of the newborn. The CNM...practices within a health care
system that provides for consultation, collaborative management
or referral as indicated by the health status of the client."
The CNMs in OB-GYN-Infertility Group practice
both independently and collaboratively with obstetrician-gynecologists
in order to provide safe, satisfying , highly personalized care
to women. The CNMs all hold Master's degrees from and are accredited
by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, which sets national
standards of practice.
Our midwives prescribe medications, order
and interpret laboratory tests, provide prenatal care, offer support
and encouragement during your labor and deliver babies. In addition,
they offer family planning and gynecologic care. The midwives
and physicians will frequently consult with one another, and collaborate
in providing the highest level of effective care. Numerous research
publications and government studies document the safety and excellent
outcomes of midwifery care. We hope you will meet with the midwives
during your pregnancy, or select one to provide your gyn care.
The following philosophy of midwifery practice
came from a midwife friend and mentor, now deceased, and explains
"who and what are midwives?":
"Midwife means 'with woman'. It is
a way of being as well as a way of providing care.
Midwifery is an art and a science. The
art of midwifery consists of sensitivity to the needs of women
and families, and being able to meet these needs in the most
appropriate way. The art of midwifery involves knowing when and
how to intervene to promote safety if it becomes necessary, and
is grounded in scientific knowledge. The science of midwifery
overlaps with that of other disciplines such as medicine and
nursing. The crux of the midwifery art and science lies in the
knowledge and devotion to keeping birth, and other related processes
normal. The emphasis of our care is on building partnership with
women and families in providing care and in maintaining health.
We see our clients as whole, capable people for whom these processes
offer the opportunity for significant personal growth. This midwifery
practice is shaped and informed by the following beliefs:
Childbearing is a normal process and it
is not usually necessary to intervene medically.
Women should have as much control as possible
in determining their care, and should be encouraged to be active
participants in decision-making and self-care.
The role of the midwife is act as a guide
and a lifeguard. In the guide role, the midwife provides the
education, anticipatory guidance, and information needed for
parents to make informed choices. Emotional support is also provided.
The lifeguard role involves watchfulness for deviations from
normal which might jeopardize health in non-pregnant women seeking
services, or in childbearing women and their infants, and the
ability to take corrective action when it becomes necessary to
prevent harm to anyone in the midwife's care.
The midwifery model of care informs and
guides other services provided in as much as we believe that
any client is entitled to self-determination, respect, and to
be a full participating partner in his/her health care. We see
the promotion of wellness, and the prevention of problems as
an essential part of all care provided here. "
Ione Sims, CNM IBCLC
Obstetrics-Gynecology-Infertility
Group, PC
203-562-5181