 While certified nurse-midwives have made their presence known in
hospitals around the country, many myths about the profession still
prevail. For many, the idea of a midwife still conjures up the image
of delivering a child at home. "Actually, over 97 percent of births
assisted by certified nurse-midwives occur in a hospital," says
Linda Given Welch, a certified nurse-midwife and board member of the
Illinois Chapter of the American College of Nurse-Midwives."This
is not the only myth which still prevails," says Barb Havens,
president of the Illinois Chapter. "Many people are still in the
dark about scope of care certified nurse-midwives offer. We hope
that National Midwifery Week will open up the communication about
who we are and educate women about the choices they have in health
care."
Certified nurse-midwives are licensed health care practitioners
educated in the disciplines of nursing and midwifery. They provide
primary care to women, including prenatal care, labor and delivery
care, care after birth, gynecological exams, newborn care,
assistance with family planning decisions, preconception care,
menopausal management, and counseling in health maintenance and
disease prevention.
The main difference between an ob-gyn and a midwife is the
approach to birth.
[to top of second column]
 |
Midwives offer a gentler approach than most and strive to make
the experience exactly what the mom-to-be desires. Typically,
midwives' appointments are more frequent and longer than other
caregivers because they want to take the time to know the patient
and understand exactly what she envisions as ideal health care
during pregnancy and birth.
"The word midwife means 'with woman,' and that is how we define
our role," says Haven. "We are with the woman before, after and
during pregnancy, and hopefully throughout her lifetime."
With roots dating to 1929, the
American College of Nurse-Midwives is the oldest women's health
care organization in the U.S. The mission of ACNM and the
Midwives of Illinois,
the state chapter, is to promote the health and well-being of women
and infants within their families and communities through the
development and support of the profession of midwifery as practiced
by certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives. The philosophy
inherent in the profession states that nurse-midwives believe every
individual has the right to safe, satisfying health care with
respect for human dignity and cultural variations.
[Text from file received from
Winger and Associates on behalf of
Midwives of Illinois]
|
