What education does a midwife have?

A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) has a college degree, is a Registered Nurse and has graduated from a certified school of midwifery. Many have a Master's degree in nursing with a midwifery specialty. In addition a CNM must pass a national board examination and must remain current in the field by attending education sessions or by participating in research or doing presentations.

Other midwives may attend midwifery schools or do self-study plus serve an apprenticeship. The North American Registry of Midwives (NARM)certifies those midwives meeting NARM's requirements. These are Certified Professional Midwives (CPM). While these midwives are recognized by more than half the United States, North Carolina currently recognizes only Certified Nurse-Midwives.

How is a midwife different from a doctor?

Midwives provide care for low-risk women throughout their life cycles. Often they do some of the same things a doctor does. However, they are trained to recognize and to honor the normal and the natural in health care. The word "midwife" means "with woman". Midwives pride themselves on being truly "with woman" especially birthing women. That means the midwife is with a woman when she begins labor and stays with her until she welcomes her baby and both are safe.

If I have a midwife, may I have pain medication or an epidural?

While most women seek midwifery care for an unmedicated birth, pain relief may be necessary. Nurse-midwives attending births in the hospital are able to give pain medication and to obtain an anesthesiology consult for an epidural. After getting to know the midwives and attending prenatal classes, you may want to plan a natural birth, knowing that when showers, the tub, position changes, massage, breathing and continuous support are not sufficient, pharmaceutical relief is available. Births at home are always unmedicated.

How can I know if home birth is safe for me?

The New Dawn midwives have strict criteria for home birth to increase safety for you and your baby. Labors that begin too early or pregnancies that that go postdates are safer in the hospital. You should not birth at home if you smoke, drink or use illegal drugs or if you have a serious medical condition or if your baby has any unusual condition. If you are interested in having a home birth, the midwives will assess you throughout your pregnancy and in labor to make sure this is a safe decision for you and your baby.

If you are a candidate for home birth, one of the midwives will visit your home before your due date to make sure we know how to find you. We will come to your home when you are in labor and remain with you until you and your baby are stable. There is always a Certified Nurse-Midwife in attendance and a Certified Professional Midwife and/or at least one other trained person. The midwife will return at 24 hours postpartum and on postpartum day three and at any other time you or your baby need to be seen.

Is water birth safe?

Water birth is a safe choice for women who have no conditions that would be a contradiction such as prematurity, meconium stained fluid, or an abnormal heart rate for the baby.

What about water for labor?

Most women can labor in the tub even it they choose not to birth there or if the midwives decide it is not safe. If your baby needs continuous monitoring, you would not be able to labor in the tub.

What if I or my baby has a problem in labor?

Unanticipated problems may arise but you will be carefully monitored whether at home or in the hospital. If you are at home, you may be transported to Park Ridge Hospital unless there is an emergency in which case you would be transported to the closest hospital. Your midwife would remain with you as your advocate until you and your baby are stable. If you are at Park Ridge Hospital, your midwife may be able to manage the complication or she may elect to consult with an obstetrician who is always available. If the obstetrician becomes involved in your care, your midwife would remain actively engaged in the care for you and your baby.

What about care beyond pregnancy and childbirth?

Midwives are trained to provide well-woman care throughout the life cycles. This may include annual physicals, PAP smears, appropriate labs, contraception, life-style and wellness counseling, and health education. Many women seek midwifery care through menopause and after.

Do the midwives at New Dawn ever suggest herbs or homeopathics?

We work with each woman to find the balance between natural medicines and western medicine that feels right to her. Herbs can safely treat yeast, colds, heartburn, anemia and other conditions common to pregnancy. The midwives may suggest homeopathic or herbal remedies as long as they feel these are safe and effective. If you are using any herbs, homeopathic remedies or any medications in your pregnancy, it is very important that you discuss this with your midwives.

How is midwifery care paid for?

Midwifery charges are covered in part by most insurance companies. We offer a reasonable payment plan for clients who are self-pay. North Carolina has a Medicaid program for Pregnant women that has higher income bounds than traditional Medicaid. New Dawn is a Medicaid provider and most fees will be covered. Eligibility can be checked at the dhhs website.