St. Joseph’s nurse-midwives are the experts in natural childbirth. It is our goal to educate every mother-to-be and her loved ones so that they can actively participate in the decision making process. We’re here to support you every step of the way. The St. Joseph’s Nurse-Midwife Services practice is an important part of the women’s services offered at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. We are the only Phoenix-area hospital open to the general public that has nurse midwives in-house day and night from Monday through Friday, and on call during weekends and holidays. We offer personalized attention during the birthing process in the safety of the hospital for those wishing for a natural childbirth experience.
What is a Nurse-Midwife?
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are licensed healthcare practitioners educated both in nursing and in midwifery. The American Midwifery Certification Board provides certification for these professionals. CNMs can provide all aspects of women’s healthcare for women of childbearing age, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, postnatal care, gynecological exams, preconception and family planning and disease prevention. CNMs attend almost eight percent of the births in the United States, with 96% of these births taking place in hospitals.
Is a Midwife Right for Me?
Midwifery provides complementary care to the traditional medical option and an alternative to the routine OB experience. The focus is on giving a woman the tools and education she needs to help her body do what comes naturally. If you are seeking a childbirth experience that others have called “empowering,” “wonderful,” and “personal,” midwifery is for you. Midwives provide a personal touch, spending real time with each patient both during prenatal care and labor and delivery.
St. Joseph's Midwife Philosophy
At St. Joseph’s Nurse-Midwife Services, we are the natural childbirth experts. We believe that every woman should be actively involved in decisions about her childbirth experience. We strive to provide appropriate information and support to allow for the optimal childbirth experience to evolve. While nurse-midwives support women in their childbirth preferences, our focus and expertise is natural childbirth. We do this through individualized or group care that educates mothers-to-be about their bodies, the childbirth experience and ways they can participate fully in a natural childbirth experience.
Nurse Midwife Deliveries
Deliveries at St. Joseph’s give moms-to-be the comfort and control of a traditional birth center, backed up by the peace-of-mind of knowing that in the event they are necessary, medical interventions are readily available. With a nurse midwife delivery, moms can have:
- A natural childbirth
- Freedom to walk, eat and drink while in labor
- No routine IV or blood work while in labor
- Breastfeeding and bonding support at birth
- A shower, if desired, during labor and after delivery
- Active participation in decision making
Centering Pregnancy Education
Centering Pregnancy gives the expectant mother a chance to interact with other mothers going through many of the same things she is experiencing. Centering Pregnancy was developed in 1993 by a Certified Nurse Midwife, Sharon Rising, while she was working at the Yale College of Nursing. It has quickly become an internationally recognized model of prenatal care. Many studies are showing that group prenatal care can improve pregnancy outcomes as well as increase patient satisfaction. For more information, visit Centering Pregnancy Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I choose to deliver with a nurse-midwife, what happens if there are complications with my pregnancy or delivery?
An overwhelming majority of women are able to deliver their babies with no complications and no interventions necessary during pregnancy or birth. However, there are situations that can arise during your pregnancy that will necessitate our referring you to a specialist for evaluation and treatment. Your nurse midwifery delivery at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center will be backed by the highest level of medical care available to laboring mothers and newborns. High-risk care and resources are available in 2 minutes in case of an emergency.
Will I deliver with the nurse-midwife I see during my appointments?
The nurse-midwives rotate call, so whoever is scheduled while you are in the hospital will assist you with delivery or triage visits. You are welcome to meet all the midwives during prenatal visits. Your birth plan will spell out your preferences, which the midwife will respect, within the realm of safety.
If I choose to deliver with a midwife, does that mean I can’t have pain medication during my delivery?
Absolutely not. We will do all we can to help you have the birth experience you desire. We will help you during labor with proven techniques that have helped thousands of women have a natural childbirth. If you would like an epidural or other type of pain medication, we will support your decision and continue to care for you during your labor and delivery.
Contact St. Joseph's Nurse Midwife Program
For additional information or questions, call 602-406-3715.
