Transcript
There are several different categories of midwives. What UAMS is starting specifically is a Certified Nurse Midwifery program, which is an APRN designation. We have the same training as a women’s health nurse practitioner, but with the additional training of caring for women during their labor and birth processes.
Midwifery care is very personalized, hands-on, and low intervention. We recognize that labor, birth, and pregnancy are normal processes of life — until they’re not. And when they’re not, we collaborate and consult with our physician colleagues to make sure women are being cared for in the best way possible.
Some common misconceptions about midwives are that we only care for women who are pregnant, or that we only deliver at home. We actually care for clients across the full spectrum — from the time someone starts their period all the way through menopause. We provide well-woman care, STI testing, Pap smears, and routine gynecological care, in addition to pregnancy, labor, and birth — which we provide in the hospital.
Another common misconception is that we only provide care to women who want no medication or intervention during their pregnancy. While we do provide low-intervention care, we support women who want epidurals, who desire inductions, and everything in between. We can also make the hospital room as comfortable as possible — bring your twinkle lights, essential oils, and music. We encourage you to bring anything from home that makes you feel more at ease.