Midwife Program @ Center for Women and Infants

The birth of your baby is an important, life-changing event and your birthing experience will be something you remember for a lifetime.  At Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, ensuring that your birth is both satisfying and safe is our top priority.  

We are pleased to offer you the option of choosing either a physician or a Certified Nurse Midwife for your pregnancy or birth- related care.

What is a midwife?

A Certified Nurse Midwife is a registered nurse with a Master's degree, specializing in women's health care.  Your midwife can provide care for an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth.  If problems develop, your midwife will work closely with a doctor to integrate the special medical care needed for high-risk pregnancy, complicated labor and birth, or if you need a cesarean section.  With your well-being in mind, a Certified Nurse Midwife will work with you and your partner to identify your unique physical and emotional needs during pregnancy, labor and birth.  Click here to get a list of practices who deliver midwifery care at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center.

How can a midwife help me?

With a midwife as part of your childbirth team, you will receive specialized guidance and support before, during, and after your baby is born.

Pregnancy Planning:

Your midwife can offer advice about achieving your best possible health before you become pregnant, or talk with you about birth control options.

During Pregnancy:

Your midwife will guide you through your pregnancy with advice about nutrition, exercise, and planning for your baby's birth.

During Labor and Delivery:

Your midwife will provide continuous labor support for you and your partner. She will work with you to reduce the risk of complications during labor and birth by encouraging you and your partner to actively participate in the birthing process. She will deliver your baby and provide immediate post-partum care, including help with breastfeeding.  After your birth your midwife will help ease your transition into motherhood with follow-up care after you are discharged from the hospital. She can also see you for routine check-ups, or when you have special healthcare needs as a woman in the childbearing years and beyond.

Are midwives more expensive than doctors?

Most insurance plans will cover care provided by a Certified Nurse Midwife for prenatal visits and labor and delivery in a hospital setting, as well as gynecologic care for the childbearing years and beyond. While there are no additional costs for using a Certified Nurse Midwife, we recommend you discuss your options with your insurance provider before making a decision.

Why should I choose Exempla Lutheran Medical Center as the place for my baby's birth?

Exempla Lutheran Medical Center offers comforting labor suites complete with whirlpool tubs and plenty of space for your family and other invited guests. Our nursing staff will take the time to understand you and your unique needs and birth preferences. To help you prepare for your birth and beyond, our Certified Nurse Midwives, physicians, nurses and childbirth educators have partnered together in creating a full-line of prenatal and birth classes that will help you stay healthy during pregnancy, prepare for your birth, and guide you through the joys and frustrations of those important first months at home.

For a referral  to a Certified Nurse Midwife who delivers babies at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, call:  303.425.BABY(2229)