Midwives have been around as long as women have been giving birth. Historically, midwives were in the community to support women to deliver their babies. Their experience and knowledge came from the wisdom that was passed down from midwife to midwife and from their own experiences in childbirth. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that women were more likely to see a doctor for obstetric care and deliver their babies in the hospital.
MercyOne Des Moines Midwives are proud to offer compassionate care throughout a woman’s lifespan – from adolescence through menopause. We provide supportive education that allows you and your family to make informed decisions regarding your health care. Their midwifery model in the medical setting allows you a variety of options for labor and delivery, including nitrous oxide and epidurals if desired, with 24/7 physician support as needed.
Clinic Services
OB
- Complete prenatal care
- Labor, delivery and postpartum care
- Breastfeeding support
- Complimentary meet and greet appointments
Gynecology
- Well-woman exams, including PAP smears
- Colposcopy
- Routine gynecology care
Giving birth in the hospital may be scary for some women. Fears that some people may have include: fear of losing control over how they want to birth, fears of unnecessary interventions, fear of not being given enough time to labor and deliver vaginally, fears of Cesarean deliveries (C-sections), and more recently fears surrounding COVID-19.
Because of COVID-19 and the ever-changing information, many people have fears surrounding going to the hospital to have their baby or are even nervous about going to the clinic for their prenatal appointments. You are not alone.
MercyOne has taken steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe. Hospital and clinic staff are following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) including things they were already doing such as frequent hand-washing, not coming to work when feeling ill, and maintaining clean spaces. They have also added some changes such as limiting visitors, having only 1 support person while in labor, and only allowing certified doulas to work with patients while in labor.
MercyOne is also encouraging patients and their support persons to be tested for COVID-19 toward the end of their pregnancy; in addition to encouraging all birthing persons to be tested for COVID upon admission to the hospital. While these changes, may seem scary, please know MercyOne is implementing these measures in accordance to CDC guidelines to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.
If you have fears or concerns talk with your provider. They can work with you to develop a plan that works best for you. MercyOne believes midwifery care is person- and family-centered care that supports the beliefs, culture, traditions, and desires of the birthing person while using best-practice standards.
Additional Care
Nurse-Midwives also continue to provide support after delivery. After childbirth, a nurse-midwife can provide support with the following:
- Breastfeeding support
- Postpartum medical care
- Providing support, coping strategies, and referrals as needed for women and their partners for all the challenges that come with having a newborn and adjusting to new roles.
Fun fact
Did you know you can also see a midwife for your annual exams? Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are also considered primary care providers. They can see you for annual lab work, blood pressure screenings, breast and cervical cancer screenings, family planning, sexual health and sexually transmitted infection screenings, and many other things.
About the Author
Emily Flahive, DNP, ARNP, CNM, graduated from the University of Minnesota in May of 2020 with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice degree with a specialty in Nurse-Midwifery. She decided to become a Certified Nurse Midwife to support women in their healthcare throughout their lifespan. She believes midwifery care is person- and family-centered care that supports the beliefs, cultures, traditions, and desires of the individual person while using best-practice standards to improve maternal mortality rates.
Connect with MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Website: MercyOne.org/desmoines
Twitter: @MercyOneDSM
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This article is part of a series of sponsored articles by MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
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What you need to know on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
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Convenient Medical Care During Social Distancing
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