Midwives at Bayhealth offer experience, knowledge and compassion

When it comes to expecting a child, a mother should consider all her options for receiving the right type of care for her growing family.

Bayhealth offers both traditional OB-GYN care and the holistic approach given by midwives. A mother's pregnancy and birth experiences are very personal, and finding the clinician who best meets all needs is essential to a happy experience.

Midwives are a prominent part of the maternal-fetal field. A midwife is a healthcare practitioner who works alongside expecting mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and even newborn care.

Holly Walton, CNM, and Theresa A. Piper, CNM, have collaborated to share what to expect when receiving care from a certified nurse midwife versus an OB-GYN.

A midwife is holistically centered, focused more on the natural birth experience with very little medical interventions such as epidurals, pain medication, induction methods or surgical procedures. Typically, midwives assist expecting moms who are generally healthy with low-risk pregnancies.

There are distinctions between OB-GYNs and midwives – not to downplay either role – both are important, and they often work together to care for a mother and her baby. A midwife is not a doctor, so while this limits them in some ways, it also gives them more flexibility in other ways.

Midwives can spend more time with an expecting mother during appointments because they often have fewer patients. This usually allows their patients to have direct access to them and time for thoroughly talking through their birth plan, or any issues or concerns they might be experiencing.

“It’s all about the relationships,” said Walton. “As a midwife, experiencing a monumental life moment, like birth, but also all the preparation leading up to it and postpartum care – I really cherish it.”

While OB-GYN physicians are trained and ready for emergencies, midwives are expecting pregnancy and labor to progress smoothly as a natural life process, with few to no issues.

“Every birth feels like the first one,” said Piper. “They are all unique and extraordinary in their own way. It’s an honor to be such a special part of our patients’ lives. It is so valuable, especially after having your baby, to have support from a professional who knows you and your child well.”

Both Walton and Piper see patients at the Bayhealth Women’s Care Sussex Campus practice. To schedule an appointment, call 302-424-6511.

For more information, go to Bayhealth.org/Medical-Group.