FAQ about Midwifery

By Julie Crocco, CNM

In the U.S., over 350,000 women have given birth with midwives in the last year. And the numbers are climbing each year. There are many advantages to having a midwife attend to your pregnancy. Julie Crocco, CNM, director of midwifery, tells you what they are.

Q: What is a Midwife?
A: A midwife is a healthcare provider who takes care of pregnant women, their infants, and families. Certified nurse-midwives (CNM) are trained in both nursing and midwifery and certified midwives (CM) are trained in midwifery. Both CNMs and CMs must pass a national certification exam and be licensed to practice in their state.

Q: What services do midwives provide?
A: Midwives assist women through pregnancy, labor and childbirth. They also provide healthcare to women through all stages of life, including annual exams, breast exams, family planning, menopausal complaints, preconception counseling, and breastfeeding assistance. Midwives care for low-risk, healthy patients but can also provide care to high-risk patients with the assistance of a physician.  Licensed to prescribe a full range of medications and treatments, they are able to provide complete and safe care to all patients. SBH midwives also have surgical training and are fully qualified to assist in operative procedures such as c-sections when necessary.

Q: What is the Midwifery Model of Patient Care?
A: The midwifery model of patient care focuses on education, health, wellness and disease prevention.  Midwives offer individualized care by listening to their patients and educating them about health and wellness during every visit. They welcome family members to participate in the care of the patient and encourage women to be active participants in their healthcare decisions.

Q: Why choose a Midwife?
A: Midwives believe that pregnancy, labor and birth are natural processes and make every effort to limit birth interventions. Research has proven that women under the care of a midwife are less likely to have a c-section or an episiotomy than those under the care of a physician.

SBH offers you broad choices for your healthcare; choose the provider that best meets your health needs by considering midwifery care. For more information, please call 718-960-6773.