Midwifery

What to Expect with Midwifery

You can expect a special kind of care when you choose an IU Health midwife. Our midwives are present during your labor and birth process. Our experts see themselves as your partner and want to make sure you have an active voice in your healthcare.

At IU Health, we believe that life events such as puberty, birth and menopause are normal experiences—not illnesses. Our goal is to educate you and provide support so you can make the best choices for you and your family. Our experts have access to the highest levels of care and when indicated, we collaborate with our hospitalist, physicians, perinatologists, anesthesiologists and neonatologists.

What Do Midwives Do?

Certified nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses and have completed an accredited graduate education program and passed a national certification exam. IU Health midwives are experts in women’s health. Our midwives provide individualized care through all stages of a woman’s life. Midwives provide prenatal care, family planning services and routine women’s health exams.

How Does a Midwife Help During Pregnancy?

Our midwives help manage the birth of your baby. They will listen to and ensure your concerns and wishes are addressed. They perform all prenatal care using current technology and laboratory tests as needed. Our team respects and supports the diversity of women’s needs. We understand the variety of personal and cultural meanings that women and their families bring to pregnancy.

All our midwives specialize in understanding the normal aspects of the childbearing cycle. Our experts are trained to recognize deviations from the normal. We welcome questions and strive to educate you of your options during childbirth.

How Does a Midwife Help During Birth?

During labor, our experts will help you throughout. They will:

• Monitor the health of both you and your baby
• Help you give birth
• Offer emotional support

IU Health midwives also perform water births. Water birth is a gentle way of welcoming your baby into the world. Our team of midwives are trained to help women who chose a water birth as their birth plan. Whether you wish to labor in the water and get out for delivery or stay in the water for delivery, midwives are there every step of the way to oversee the safety of you and your baby. IU Health is the only healthcare system that offers water births in the surrounding areas. Our team members help you make choices that are best for you, including options for pain management. After birth, our midwives are a great resource in your new role as a mother.

Routine Women’s Healthcare

IU Health midwives provide routine primary and gynecologic care for women of all ages. This includes:

• Health education
• Preventive care
• Preconception care
• Family planning

Our midwives are advocates for patient choice. We spend a large part of your appointment educating you of your options. We believe it is important to provide time for questions, teaching and time to listen to the concerns and needs of the women we care for. Our midwives are able to write and refill prescriptions.