One aspect of our collaborative approach to labor and delivery is the integrated care offered by midwives and physicians. Below, you’ll find information on how our midwives and physicians work together to provide a supportive, collaborative birth experience.
Roles of Midwives and Physicians:
Midwife:
- Labor: Midwives provide individualized support and management during labor as much as possible. For patients desiring continuous 1:1 labor support, we encourage you to hire a doula.
- Monitoring: Throughout labor, midwives continuously monitor the baby and mother for any deviations from normal and have a physician available at all times if needed.
- Pain Management: Midwives are helpful in suggesting different pain management positions and techniques. If you choose to have an epidural as part of your birth plan, the hospital’s anesthesiologists are available 24/7.
- Delivery: Midwives are expertly trained to independently attend vaginal births and are trained to recognize when to consult or defer to a physician for medical interventions. Midwives do not perform surgery, if a c-section is needed we have a physician available at all times.
- Postpartum Care: After any birth (including c-sections), midwives provide ongoing support for postpartum recovery and will coordinate your discharge from the hospital
Physician:
- Specialized Care: Physicians are trained to manage pregnancy complications and emergency situations that may arise during labor, such as complications requiring a Cesarean section.
- Collaboration: Physicians work closely with midwives to review individual care plans and any associated risks.
- Medical Interventions: Should the need arise for medical interventions such as vacuum or forceps-assisted deliveries, or C-sections, physicians are available at all times.
How We Work Together:
- Communication: During labor, midwives, and physicians maintain ongoing communication about your progress and well-being.
- Comanaged Care: For pregnancy complications, midwives and physicians work together to manage your care. A physician may manage your medical condition while the midwife cares for you during labor and attends your birth.
- Shared Decision-Making: You’re an integral part of the decision-making process. Both midwives and physicians are committed to including you and your birth partner in all discussions and decisions about your care.
By blending the medical expertise of physicians with the holistic, patient-centered care provided by midwives, our aim is to create a nurturing environment that respects your wishes and ensures the best outcomes for you and your baby.
We invite you to reach out to us with any questions (571) 707-8522 or discuss your individual birth plan at your next prenatal care visit.
