What is a Midwife?
A midwife is a healthcare professional who provides obstetric and gynecological care. What distinguishes midwives from other OB/GYN providers is that the midwifery model of care is highly focused on patient-centered care, empowerment and shared decision making.
There are many types of midwives across the world. At Bronson, our midwifery team consists of Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), a type of advanced practice provider. CNMs hold at least a master’s degree in nursing and maintain certification in nurse midwifery.
What Care Do Certified Nurse Midwives Provide?
The number one goal of any midwife is to be a partner in the individual’s healthcare journey. If you choose to work with a midwife during pregnancy and childbirth, they will empower you along your journey to make informed decisions that are right for you. Your CNM will conduct your prenatal appointments. In addition to providing physical exams, your CNM will:
- Form a compassionate partnership with you
- Encourage you to have an active participation in all health care decisions
- Learn about your goals for pregnancy and childbirth
- Partner with you to create a birthing plan that fits your personal goals, wants and life experiences
- Offer education and guidance to help you feel safe and confident during and after childbirth
If you choose a CNM at Bronson Obstetrics, Gynecology & Midwifery Specialists in Kalamazoo or Battle Creek, they will also be present during your labor and birth. Bronson has midwives at all obstetrics and gynecology practices listed below.
In addition to providing prenatal, childbirth and postnatal care, CNMs also provide health care across a patient’s lifespan. They can:
- Perform annual exams and sexual health visits
- Provide contraception and help with family planning
- Address gynecological and breast concerns
- Provide menopausal care
- And more
Who Can Receive Care from a Midwife?
Midwives specialize in gynecological and prenatal care. If you are looking for a provider who supports choice in birth so you can take control of your birthing experience, a midwife may be a good choice. Midwives are experts at caring for healthy individuals and often work in collaborative models to care for people who might need specialized or high-risk care. All insurance plans in Michigan cover hospital based/clinic nurse-midwifery care.
Where Can I See a Bronson Midwife?
Childbirth and Parenting Classes
Opportunities are available for new moms, dads, caretakers, grandparents and siblings.
Learn More
Bronson has one of the largest and longest-running hospital-based midwifery practices in Michigan. As you plan and prepare to welcome a new member to your family, they are here to help you navigate the experience. You can see a midwife at any of the following locations:
For more information on obstetrics and gynecology services for patients in all stages of life, from adolescence to menopause and beyond, visit Bronson’s gynecology services page.
Bronson Celebrates 30 years of Midwifery Services in Kalamazoo.
Read the Story
More Moms are Choosing Centering Pregnancy®
This model of group prenatal care combines expert healthcare with education and group support.
