Getting ready to welcome a child into the world is one of life's most meaningful experiences. Many expectant parents today choose to work with a midwife for prenatal care and labor support because midwives focus on personalized, patient-centered care. A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who provides comprehensive services throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.
A midwife specializes in guiding patients through low-risk pregnancies. Prenatal visits with a midwife typically include physical assessments, health screenings, and open discussions about nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being. The midwife will also help parents make a birth plan, including where they would like to deliver, what method they would like to use, and how they want to manage pain. This complementary approach emphasizes education and shared decision-making, helping expectant parents feel informed and involved in their care.
Throughout prenatal care, the midwife monitors vital signs, tracks fetal growth, and ensures that both the parent and the baby are progressing as expected. In many practices, midwives will work closely with obstetricians to provide seamless care. If complications arise, an OBGYN can step in to manage immediate medical concerns while the midwife continues offering guidance and emotional support. This collaborative model ensures that patients receive the safest and most comprehensive care possible.
When selecting a midwife, patients should consider credentials, experience, and care philosophy. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), certified midwives (CMs), and certified professional midwives (CPMs) undergo specific medical training and national certification. There are some license restrictions on CMs and CPMs due to their education and training, while CNMs can work in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
CNMs and CMs both undergo graduate-level education and national certification; the primary difference between these medical professionals is that CNMs complete nursing school, while CMs have an undergraduate degree in a field other than nursing. They are referred to as advanced practice midwives (APMs), who are licensed and independent healthcare professionals with full prescriptive authority and can order diagnostic testing.
Meanwhile, CPMs specifically provide care in out-of-hospital settings. Their education and practice are focused on community birth and supporting natural birth in non-clinical environments. Some midwives may also specialize in specific areas such as water births or postpartum recovery.
When labor begins, the chosen midwife provides hands-on support throughout the entire labor and birth process. This may include:
In hospital settings, midwives work alongside the nursing staff and OBGYNs to ensure that the parent and their baby experience a safe delivery. For those who prefer birth centers or home births, midwives bring medical equipment and are prepared to handle emergencies until additional care arrives.
A midwife offers personalized care for expectant parents during childbirth. With support and evidence-based practices, you can feel confident throughout your pregnancy and the birthing process. If you would like to learn more about our midwifery services or to schedule an appointment, reach out to our Tomball office.
Request an appointment here: https://eckhardtobgyn.com or call Donald Eckhardt Jr., M.D. , Kari Eckhardt W.H.N.P., C.N.M. at (346) 201-4716 for an appointment in our Tomball office.
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