Why You Should Consider a Midwife for Obstetric Care

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why consider midwifeHave you ever wondered how a midwife is different from an obstetrician? As midwives become more common, we wanted to share what expecting mothers should know when selecting their provider.

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who graduated from a nurse-midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), and passed a national certification examination to receive the professional designation of certified nurse-midwife.

Patients at Mercy Clinics Midwifery receive prenatal education throughout their care, so they can make informed decisions.

We welcome discussion regarding labor and delivery throughout the pregnancy. We see our patients on the same schedule as an obstetrician, and offer in-house ultrasound and genetic testing.

why to consider a midwifeOnce in active labor, your midwife will be present at the hospital with you for support and to deliver your baby. As a hospital-based, physician-backed practice, in-house obstetricians and anesthesiologists are always available.

Mercy also offers free volunteer birth doulas on a first-come, first-served basis, which gives our patients and their partners additional birth support.

Patients who chose a midwife see these benefits:

  • lower rates of cesarean birth
  • lower rates of labor induction
  • significant reduction in the incidence of third and fourth degree perineal tears
  • lower rates of use of anesthesia like epidurals
  • higher rates of breast-feeding

Another benefit of midwives – we take care of women throughout their lifespan, for annual exams and gynecological problems.

If you are still unsure if a midwife is for you, we encourage you to check out this video from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Meet our Midwives

Midwife Diane ClevengerDiane Clevenger, RN, MSN, ARNP, CNM, has dedicated her nursing career to the care of mothers and babies. She received her registered nurse certification from the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Graceland College. She went on to receive a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Diane also received a Post Master’s Midwifery Certification from the University of Minnesota. Diane is a certified nurse midwife and a women’s health nurse practitioner.

 

 

midwife Lori SteinmannLori Steinman, ARNP, FNP, CNM, has dedicated her life to the nursing profession. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa College of Nursing. She went on to receive a Master of Science in Nursing, FNP-C, from Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Lori also received a Post Master’s Certificate in Midwifery from the University of Missouri College of Nursing. Lori is a certified nurse midwife and a women’s health nurse practitioner.

 

 

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Mercy Clinics Midwifery, please call (515) 643-6869.

Source:

American College of Nurse Midwives


This is the 4th in a 6-part series from Mercy Des Moines. Find the rest of the posts below:

The Importance of a Hospital with an Emergency OB Department

Pregnancy and Birthing Classes: an Education for Two!

Tips for Avoiding Head and Brain Injuries in Children

This sponsored post is brought to you in collaboration with Mercy Des Moines.

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