Midwifery

What is Midwifery?

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice nurses licensed by the State of Illinois. CNMs have post-graduate training in obstetrics and gynecology and have passed the national board-certification exam administered by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

We are proud to support a group practice of nurse-midwives, who work in conjunction with board-certified obstetricians, to provide you with personalized care and education. They see patients in a group office and deliver babies in our state-of-the-art labor and delivery unit at Northwest Community Hospital.

All major insurances are accepted.

Why Choose a Midwife?

Women of all ages and life stages can experience excellent obstetrician and gynecologic care with certified nurse midwives on staff at Northwest Community Hospital. Through an interactive patient philosophy, certified nurse-midwives take time to talk, listen and educate you about preventive health, family medical history, diet and exercise, stress management and complementary treatments. These midwives are also trained in identifying high risk situations during both preconception care and antepartum care and will continue to co-manage many high risk situations. These high risk situations may include recurrent pregnancy loss, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, twin pregnancies and other conditions in a collaborative manner with their physician partners.

Our nurse-midwifery group prides itself on developing a partnership with you through a holistic approach to your health and open communication. By treating you as a partner in your health – whether that’s the birth of your child or routine women’s health care – nurse-midwives foster a supportive and empowering atmosphere.

Choosing a nurse- midwife appeals to women seeking a health provider who:

Respects pregnancy and birth as a natural part of a woman’s life cycle
Provides for individualized care while encouraging family participation
Allows time for discussion during office visits and throughout labor
Encourages a woman to participate in decisions regarding her health and care
Addresses changes in a woman’s physical and emotional needs during pregnancy, birth and early parenting
Provides gentle and safe care based on current research and the art of midwifery
Supports the normal birth process, yet has access to medical technology if needed
Encourages and supports a woman’s choice for vaginal birth after cesarean
Offers many options for labor relief, including water immersion and massage
Embraces a holistic approach which recognizes the contributions of alternative and complementary therapies such as massage, nutritionists, chiropractors, childbirth educators, doulas, acupressure/acupuncture, lactation specialists and others
Provides an individualized approach to care that reflects the unique concerns and needs of the LGBTQ+ community