Have you considered asking a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) to assist in your labor? A Certified Nurse Midwife has been trained in two disciplines: midwifery and nursing. They carry a wonderful blend of reassuring support and medical expertise. Here are the answers to some common questions about midwives. If you have other questions, please email us.

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife and what do they do?

HealthNet’s Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) are licensed health care providers with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing degree, and are certified  are by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Every year they maintain education requirements and renew their license at the state and national level. HealthNet only employs Certified Nurse Midwives.

CNMs provide care from a woman’s first period through menopause, which includes all gynecologic and obstetric care. Our CNMs provide care during pregnancy, labor, postpartum time, and are experts in vaginal births. CNMs can provide newborn care, but at HealthNet babies will be seen by a pediatrician after birth. They can help you with things like breastfeeding, infant care, physical and emotional support after birth, and much more.

Certified Nurse Midwives can prescribe medicine, perform medical procedures, and provide patients with other interventions. Our philosophy is to respect birth for the natural and beautiful process it is.  Midwife means “With Woman” and this is what their core philosophy will always center around. Certified Nurse Midwives listen to women and advocate for women to make decisions that are right for their own body and life.

What are the benefits of using a certified nurse-midwife (CNM)?

A CNM provides the mother and her family with individual attention, education, counseling, and care throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and recovery. Unless there are complications, Certified Nurse-Midwives view childbirth as a natural and healthy process.

CNMs focus on how the mother feels about her pregnancy and the actual birth experience. We encourage women to trust their own instincts and create their own birth plans. CNMs also provide information needed to make decisions about pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.

Research has shown that the use of a CNM and/or natural delivery may result in the following benefits:

  • Lower maternity care costs
  • Reduced mortality and morbidity related to lower rates of c-sections
  • Lower intervention rates

How will my care be scheduled?

Your first visit should be scheduled early in your pregnancy. At your first visit, you will meet with a member of the health care team who will help with any insurance questions and enroll you as an OB patient. A nurse will reach out to you to get your history taken over the phone. At your second visit, a provider will meet with you to review your OB History. We will also do blood tests and review the plan of care for prenatal visits. You will be asked many questions about your health history and will normally meet with one of the Certified Nurse Midwives or Nurse Practitioners for this visit. Usually The next visit will be a complete physical exam including a Pap smear if needed.

An OB/GYN doctor will lead the plan of care during your pregnancy. Our OB/GYN doctors, Certified Nurse-Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners work together closely to offer the level of support you need. Your care team will review your health information. An OB/GYN doctor will determine how often you need prenatal checkups by an OB/GYN physician, Certified Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Practitioner based on your medical needs.

The normal schedule for prenatal visits is monthly until 28 weeks, every two weeks until 36 weeks, and weekly until birth. This schedule may vary depending on your needs.

Where will I give birth?

Labor and Delivery, as well as OB Emergency Services (OB Triage), take place at the Riley Hospital Maternity Tower.

OB/GYN providers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any questions or problems that arise while you are at the hospital. If your baby is healthy, we encourage your baby always stays in your room with you.

If you choose to have your baby delivered at another hospital or by another provider, HealthNet will help you transfer your records. Please note that different hospitals or providers may be part of different insurance plans (including Medicare and Medicaid). While HealthNet will reasonably help you in transferring insurance coverage, you will ultimately be responsible for making sure that that you have the correct insurance for the provider or hospital you want to transfer to.

How much does it cost for care?

Because of the ever-changing cost of care and each person’s situation, it is best to call the HealthNet health center nearest you to ask about costs.

We accept all Medicare, Medicaid, Hoosier Healthwise plans (including MDwise, MHS and Anthem) and most commercial insurance plans. We also welcome patients with no insurance. If you do not have insurance, you may be eligible for a sliding fee scale discount. An enrollment specialist at the health center nearest you would be happy to assist you.