Excellent Outcomes for Women and Infants
Nurse Midwifery care results in a lower cesarean section rate and equal to or better outcomes for women when compared to physician care, while using fewer interventions. (University of Washington)
Numerous studies evaluating the outcomes of care provided by CNMs have uniformly concluded that CNM care results in outcomes that are comparable to that of physicians when the same type of clients are managed.
The U.S. Congress’ Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) came to the same conclusion in a report that presented the results of a thorough review of the evidence on the quality and costs of care provided by CNMs.
The OTA concluded that: “The weight of the evidence indicates that within their areas of competence…CNMs provide care whose quality is equivalent to that of care provided by physicians. Moreover,…CNMs are more adept than physicians at providing services that depend on communication with patients and preventative care.” (Gabay and Wolfe, Public Citizen Research Group, 1995)
Studies have consistently shown that certified nurse midwifery care reduces both the number of babies born prematurely and infant mortality. The 1991 infant mortality rate for nurse-midwives was 4.1 per 1000, the national average for that year was 8.6 per 1,000
Fewer Medical Interventions
We believe that pregnancy and childbirth is a natural process requiring medical intervention only in special situations. Your child’s birth can take place at a Medical Center, where medical intervention is readily available, but is used only when necessary or requested.
Personalized Care
Every woman brings to pregnancy her own set of values, fears and desires. We know the importance of understanding what these are so that we can provide the type of care that will best serve your needs. We believe that if a woman is supported in what is important to her, labor will progress more smoothly. We take time to listen to what is important to you and teach you about ways to encourage labor’s natural progression. Most importantly, we stay with you from the beginning to end…until you have your baby in your arms.
Less likely to have a Cesarean Section
Studies have shown that women who are cared for by Certified Nurse Midwives are much less likely to have a cesarean section. According to Public Citizen’s Research Group, CNMs have a cesarean section rate of 11.6 percent and a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean rate of 68.9 percent. During the same period, the national rates were 23.3 and 24.9 percent respectively. At Midwest Midwifery we view pregnancy and birth as a natural process, and it is this mentality that leads to less cesarean deliveries.