What Does a Midwife Do?
“Midwife” may sound like an old-fashioned word – but today’s highly educated, trained, skilled, and certified midwives are anything but outdated! In fact, in recent years, the role of midwives in healthcare has experienced a resurgence in popularity.
Many women are now turning to certified nurse midwives for their comprehensive care during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. The compassionate care and holistic approach offered by midwives have drawn the attention of expectant parents seeking a more personalized and attentive birthing experience.
In this article, certified nurse midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP in Dearborn, MI will explore the essential responsibilities and advantages of a certified nurse midwife, shedding light on the valuable role they play in modern pregnancy and delivery care.
Statistics on Use of Midwives in the United States
The utilization of midwives has been on the rise in the United States, and for good reason. According to statistics, the use of midwives for childbirth has increased steadily over the past decade, reflecting a growing preference for midwifery care during pregnancy and delivery.
According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), midwives attended 35.2% of all births in the United States in 2021. This is up from 29.3% in 2011, representing a 20% increase over the past decade.
The ACNM also reports that the number of women choosing to have their babies with midwives has been increasing steadily for many years. In 2011, there were 234,317 births attended by midwives in the United States. By 2021, that number had increased to 392,007, representing a 67% increase.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also reports that the use of midwives for childbirth is increasing. In 2020, ACOG published a survey of its members which found that 69% of OB-GYNs reported that they were collaborating with midwives more than they did five years ago.
Reasons for the Increase in the Use of Midwives
There are a number of reasons for the increase in the use of midwives for childbirth.
Many women appreciate the continuity of care of a dedicated midwife during their pregnancy. While physicians are often pulled in many directions, a midwife focuses solely on her pregnant patients throughout their pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. This can provide women with a sense of continuity and support.
Midwives are also highly trained, skilled, and specialized healthcare professionals. Pregnancy and delivery is all they do – all day every day! Studies have shown that midwife care is both safe and effective for low-risk pregnancies.
Additionally, cost may be a factor. In some cases, midwife care may be less expensive than receiving all services from care from an obstetrician during
Education of a DNP Certified Nurse Midwife
A certified nurse midwife who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree – like midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP in Dearborn, MI – is an advanced practice nurse who is trained to provide a broad spectrum of healthcare services to women. Their education covers topics like prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, family planning, and gynecological care. This extensive training equips midwives with the knowledge and skills necessary to support women throughout their reproductive journey, from adolescence through menopause.
Advantages of a Nurse Midwife
One of the significant advantages of choosing a nurse midwife for your care is the personalized, patient-centered approach they offer. Midwives prioritize building strong relationships with their patients, focusing on shared decision-making and informed choices. A midwife can provide education and emotional support, empowering women to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.
Midwives also often have a strong focus on promoting natural childbirth and minimizing interventions when they are not medically necessary, making them a preferred choice for women seeking a more holistic birthing experience.
Why Your Midwife Should Work Under Supervision of an OBGYN
While nurse midwives are highly skilled and capable of independently managing many aspects of women’s healthcare, ideally they should work under the supervision of or in collaboration with an obstetrician / gynecologist (OBGYNs). This not only ensures that women receive a full spectrum of care – but guarantee that advanced medical care will be available in unavoidable cases where complications or medical interventions such as surgery become necessary.
This teamwork between Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD, OBGYN and midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP in Dearborn, MI provides the best of both worlds—personalized, holistic midwifery care with access to advanced medical interventions when needed.
Certified Nurse Midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP | Dearborn, MI
In the world of women’s healthcare, certified nurse midwives play are playing a pivotal role in more and more pregnancies and deliveries. By providing comprehensive, patient-focused care Lucy Schoemer, DNP, a certified nurse midwife in Dearborn, MI, embodies the dedication and expertise of midwifery care.
Lucy’s commitment to empowering pregnant women through education, support, and informed decision-making is a testament to the valuable role midwives play in ensuring the well-being of women throughout their reproductive journey. The compassionate care provided by Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD and midwife Lucy Schoemer, DNP in Dearborn, MI ensures that expectant mothers receive the highest level of support and expertise during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond – for the safest and most enjoyable experience for both mother and baby during childbirth.