What is a midwife?

A midwife is a healthcare professional that specializes in caring for women. They provide gynecologic and primary care to women from puberty through menopause. They also care for childbearing women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. 

Why choose a midwife?

Midwives are the experts on normal/vaginal birth. They view pregnancy and birth as healthy life events, and support women through attentive medical care and education. They watch closely for complications, and are trained and ready to intervene as needed. Midwives put the woman at the center of every interaction, and take the time to understand her wishes and concerns. They offer respectful healthcare that is safe, individualized, and comprehensive. In general, midwives have health outcomes that exceed traditional care.

Safety

Midwifery care is consistently shown to be as safe or safer than standard medical care. Women who are cared for by a midwife experience fewer medical complications during pregnancy and birth than similar groups of women under the care of a physician. Midwives work as part of the health team, and collaborate with, consult, and refer to other team members as needed. 

Education and Training

There are different types of midwives that practice in Arizona. Mallorie is a certified nurse-midwife (CNM). CNMs first complete a bachelor's degree in nursing and work as registered nurses (RNs). They then return to school for a master's degree and finish with a supervised clinical training period. This path of education allows them to practice at home, in birth centers, and at the hospital. Additionally, they are able to prescribe medications and order lab and imaging studies.

Benefits of Midwifery Care

• Lower rates of cesarean birth
• Lower rates of labor induction
• Fewer severe tears in childbirth
• Less need for vacuum/forceps
• Less need for epidural
• Higher rates of breastfeeding
• Lower rates of miscarriage

• Lower rates of stillbirth
• Less likely to birth preterm
• More prenatal education
• Closer supportive relationship with provider
• Fewer invasive interventions
• Increased sense of control during birth
• Higher patient satisfaction

The Midwifery Philosophy of Care

The midwifery model of care is part of what sets it apart from other types of healthcare. Midwives believe in watchful waiting, where normal processes are not interrupted. They also believe in the use of appropriate interventions and technology if a problem arises. Through respectful communication, therapeutic presence, and individualized plans, they are able to partner with women to achieve better health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do midwives only do homebirth?
Certified nurse-midwives can work in hospitals, offices, birth centers, and at home. They also offer wellness and gynecologic care to women of all ages, even when they are not pregnant. At Glow Midwifery, all births are attended at the hospital.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?
Midwives and doulas can work together to provide the best experience possible during birth, but they are two very different roles. Doulas offer nonmedical support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and have been shown to improve birth outcomes. Midwives are healthcare providers and provide medical advice and treatment. 

What happens if I need a cesarean?
Midwives are experts at vaginal birth and do not perform cesareans. If a c-section is needed, midwives transfer care to an obstetrician qualified to perform the surgery. Many midwives stay and continue to assist the patient through the experience. One of the benefits of midwifery care is a lower chance of requiring a cesarean, especially for healthy women. ​

Can midwives prescribe medications and order labs?
Certified nurse-midwives are advanced practice nurses (like nurse practitioners) and can order all the same medications and testing as any other healthcare provider.

If I use a midwife for birth, can I still get an epidural?
Absolutely. As long as you are birthing in a hospital that offers epidurals, midwives are happy to help you get one. Your choice of pain management, whether medicated or not, is always supported.

Can I still use a midwife if I develop complications?
Midwives specialize in low-risk women. Most women have at least one health risk factor, and certified nurse-midwives are able to care for many of these. If a woman develops multiple or more severe complications, the midwife will collaborate with or refer to another appropriate member of the healthcare team. Glow Midwifery has established relationships with local obstetricians, gynecologic surgeons, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and others to facilitate an easy transition if needed.

Why would I need a midwife if I'm not pregnant?
Midwives do annual gynecologic exams, pap smears, birth control, infection testing, and help with menstrual problems. You don't need to be pregnant to see a midwife!

Learn more:

American College of Nurse-Midwives
Cochrane Review on midwifery
Discover Midwives (ACNM)
Essential Facts About Midwives (ACNM)
Lancet Series on midwifery
Our Philosophy of Care (ACNM)
World Health Organization statement on midwifery