FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you do ‘home births?’
A: Though we believe that properly screened and prepared low-risk women can birth at home with a skilled provider and emergency equipment, we have chosen to deliver at the hospital because we stay with you throughout your labor, we only deliver babies at one hospital – Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital.
Q: What if I want pain relief in labor? Can I get an Epidural if I want one?
A: We are very experienced in one-on-one support for the client wishing an unmedicated birth. We are also licensed to order medications, including narcotics and epidurals if or when you request it.
Q: What is the difference between seeing a Certified Nurse-Midwife or seeing an OB doctor?
A: The basic prenatal care and testing is the same. You will find that your visits with a nurse-midwife are typically longer. Though it is true that many of our skills overlap, nurse-midwives and doctors are trained differently. CNMs are RNs (registered nurses) with advanced education beyond four years of nursing school. We have obtained Master’s or Doctorate degrees and have passed a board-certifying exam by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). Learn more by visiting their site www.midwife.org. When there, click on the link “for consumers.”
The nursing philosophy of care focuses on patient education, health promotion and holistic (whole body, whole family) care. The patient (client) is encouraged to be an active participant in their care. We typically care for low/moderate risk obstetrical clients.
Q: What if I need a Cesarean birth or have emergent complications?
A: We rely on the obstretical expertise and immediate availability of the OB Hospitalist MD’s that are present 24 hours a day at the Family Birth Center. They provide emergency and repeat C-Section and operative interventions. The CNM will stay with you, as the second surhgeon, all through your surgery.