MIDWIFERY FAQ:
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Click below to
DID YOU KNOW
nurse midwives attend 8.3% of all births in and 12.1% of all vaginal births in the US.
For more in-depth information about midwifery care, please visit the Midwives Coalition of Greater San Diego page here.
ABOUT MIDWIVES
ARE THERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MIDWIVES?
Visit this Comparison Chart to learn about the different forms of midwifery care you can receive.
To learn more, visit the Midwives Coalition of Greater San Diego.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CNM AND AN OB/GYN DOCTOR?
OB/GYNs and CNMs are healthcare professionals who provide care for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Research shows that the holistic model of care for primarily healthy women results in fewer interventions such as medications, cesareans, etc.
Visit the Midwives Coalition of Greater San Diego page for more information.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CNM AND A DOULA?
Nurse midwives and doulas often work as a cohesive team during labor and birth. The support provided by nurse midwives and doulas is different and complementary.
You can learn more about doula care here.
DO NURSE MIDWIVES TAKE CARE OF
NEWBORNS, TOO?
Nurse midwives are professional healthcare workers for both women and newborns.
To learn more about midwifery care in California, please visit the webpage of the Midwives Coalition of Greater San Diego.
Nurse Midwifery Care:
Our Commitment to You
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Our Philosophy of Care is embodied through our many roles in healthcare for women and families.
WE BELIEVE every person has a right to:
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Equitable, ethical, accessible, quality health care that promotes healing and health
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Health care that respects human dignity, individuality, & diversity
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Complete & accurate information to make informed health care decisions
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Self-determination & active participation in health care decisions
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Involvement of a woman's designated family members, to the extent desired, in all health care experiences
WE BELIEVE the best model of health care for a woman & her family:
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Promotes a continuous & compassionate partnership
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Acknowledges a person's life experiences & knowledge
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Includes individualized methods of care & healing guided by the best evidence available
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Involves therapeutic use of human presence & skillful communication
WE HONOR the normalcy of women's lifecycle events.
WE BELIEVE in:
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Watchful waiting & non-intervention in normal processes
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Appropriate use of interventions & technology for current or potential health problems
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Consultation, collaboration & referral with other members of the health care team as needed to provide optimal health care