| 1. What is your philosophy regarding episiotomy? |
| Episiotomies are not routinely done as they are not supported by evidence-based research. They are sometimes necessary to expedite birth in case of an emergent situation and then only done with mothers/parents consent. |
2. What is your Caesarian Section rate? |
| Our primary Caesarian Section Rate is 10% versus the national average of 22-25%. |
3. If I have had a previous Caesarian Section can I still receive my care from a midwife? |
Yes, you can receive prenatal care from a midwife. The actual birth will be managed by an obstetrician because of the higher risks with this type of birth. |
4. How is the care that I receive from a midwife different from an obstetricians care? |
| The greatest benefit of using a Certified Nurse Midwife is the relationship, reassurance and open dialogue you have with them. They are the one person who is with you during your entire pregnancy and their presence is comforting as they manage your labor. They also have the benefit of physician back-up in the event of a challenging birth. |
5. How does your practice feel about the use of medication and/or epidural anesthesia? |
| Medication or anesthesia are not a problem and are dictated by the mother's progress and desires. |
6. Can I eat, get in a Jacuzzi and be active during my labor? |
| Yes, if labor is progressing normally and mother/baby are doing well. |
7. Will my prenatal visits be any different from a Doctor's office? |
No. Standard visits are every 4 weeks starting at 10-12 weeks until 28 weeks, every two
weeks until 36 weeks and every week thereafter. If everything is going well, without complications or issues, you have the option of less frequent visits. |
8. How can I/we meet you? |
Call the office 616.774.2400 and schedule a 15-30 min "hello visit" with one of the
midwives. You'll be given information to take home and read. Please bring any specific
questions you have with you. |
9. What hospitals do you attend births at? |
St Mary's Hospital 200 Jefferson, SE Grand Rapids 752.6488
Tours are available Tuesday @ 6p.m. call 752.6686
Spectrum Health - Butterworth 100 Michigan Street NE Grand Rapids 391.1580
Call Healthier Communities 391.1500 for information re: childbirth classes and tours. |
10. Do you do home births or water births? |
No, we do not offer at home birth services.
Regrettably, water births are not being done at any hospital in Grand Rapids at this time. |
11. What childbirth classes do you recommend? |
Lamaze of West Michigan 616.531.5274 or email: DFCCC@aol.com
HypnoBirthing 616.886.9873 or www.hypnobirthing.com
The Bradley Method 269.795.7594 or www.bradleybirth.com |
12. Do I have to be monitored the whole time I’m in labor? |
| Generally a fetal monitor strip is obtained on admission within 20-30 minutes and if the results are reassuring then your baby will be monitored intermittently. |
13. Will the midwife stay with me at the hospital the whole time I’m there? |
| Our patients do not usually arrive at the hospital until "active" labor. The midwife is available and usually arrives at the hospital when the mother is at 4-5 cm or in active phase labor. |
14. Can I stay home during early labor? |
| Yes, generally you can stay home until directed by your midwife to go to the hospital. |
15. How many people can I have in my labor room? |
| There are no restrictions regarding the number of people attending the birth of your baby. The number should be what ever you are comfortable with. |
16. Do you work with Doulas?
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| Doulas are labor coaches hired by the couple to assist and educate before, during and after the birth of their child. We are privileged to have two doulas in our office, Angela and Monique. |
17. Which Midwife will be at the birth? |
| You should meet each of the three midwives during your prenatal care visits. All three midwives share rotating call for births. |
18. How does the midwife on call system work? |
| If you have a concern, question or problem during office hours the office staff will contact the midwife on call. After hours the emergency answering service will take your call and contact the midwife on call. |
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For additional information visit the American College of Nurse-Midwives @ www.midwife.org |
