Midwifery care refers to the range of services provided by midwives to support women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Midwifery care is characterized by a whole woman-centered approach, focusing on the physical, emotional and social well-being of the mother throughout the child birth process. At Hoag, our goal is to empower women, promote natural childbirth and ensure a positive and safe experience for both the mother and the baby.
Prenatal Care:
Midwives provide comprehensive prenatal care, monitoring the health of the mother and the developing fetus. This includes regular check-ups, screenings, and tests to identify and address any potential risks.
Education and Counseling:
Midwives educate and offer information to women and their families about pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care. They also help you make your birth plans, advise you on your diet, exercise and staying healthy as well as provide emotional support and counseling throughout pregnancy and post-partum.
Labor and Birth Support:
Midwives continuous support to the mother during labor. They assist all aspects of the birthing process from admission through labor and delivery to post-partum and discharge. They offer support with coping techniques, positioning and fetal monitoring to ensure a safe and empowering birth.
Postpartum Care:
Midwives continue to provide care after childbirth, offering support during the early days and weeks of the postpartum period. This may include assistance with breastfeeding, monitoring the physical, psychological health and recovery of the mother and addressing any concerns or complications.
Collaboration
with Your Healthcare Providers: Hoag’s midwives collaborate with obstetricians and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care, especially in situations that may require medical attention.
Lifetime care
: Midwives also see patients before and after childbirth. They offer annual exams, contraceptive counseling, menopausal issues and other office gynecologic problems.
At Hoag we have a team of Certified Nurse Midwives. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who are licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing and have acquired a master’s degree training in the field of obstetrics and are certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).
Using a midwife for maternity care can offer several benefits for women and their families. Here are some potential advantages:
Personalized Care:
Midwives often provide individualized care that takes into account the unique needs and preferences of each woman. This can result in a more personalized and supportive experience throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum.
Holistic Approach:
Midwives typically take a holistic approach to care, addressing not only the physical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth but also the emotional and social well-being of the mother. They use several alternative modalities to assist the desires of the delivering couple.
Empowerment and Informed Decision-Making:
Midwives aim to empower women by providing information, education, and support, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care. This collaborative approach encourages active participation in the shared decision-making process.
Focus on Natural Birth:
Midwives often emphasize the promotion of normal, physiological childbirth. They work to minimize unnecessary interventions and medical procedures, promoting a natural birthing experience.
Continuous Support During Labor:
Midwives are present throughout labor, offering continuous support to the mother. This can contribute to a positive birthing experience and may reduce the need for certain medical interventions.
Postpartum Support:
Midwives continue to provide care during the postpartum period, offering support and guidance as women recover from childbirth and navigate the early days of motherhood.
Embrace personalized care and empowerment on your birthing journey with a trusted midwife by your side. At Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and Irvine, we offer midwifery services to women who want a more personalized and holistic approach to their birthing experience.
Hoag Newport Beach Midwifery Team