Midwifery Services

Health care for women by women.

Midwife means “with woman”...
...and Guthrie’s Certified Nurse-Midwives are there with you every step of the way, whether you need gynecological or pregnancy care. Guthrie’s Midwives invite you to experience for yourself the advantages of health care provided for women by women.

Guthrie’s Midwives embrace a healthy birthing experience and also provide gynecological care to women of all ages. Care provided by Guthrie’s Midwives means a special skill and understanding of the unique physical, social and spiritual needs of women. Nurse-midwifery focuses on wellness and personal choice. Women are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care.

Woman-Centered Care
Guthrie’s Midwives welcome your questions and take time to listen to and talk with you. They offer well-woman health care, including:
• Annual gynecological exams and Pap smears
• Contraceptive counseling and family planning
• Confidential STD treatment
• Clinical breast exams
• Pre-conception guidance
• Prenatal care, child birth and postpartum care
• Breast-feeding support and counseling
• Peri-menopausal services
• Referrals to an obstetrician/gynecologist for high-risk pregnancies or special concerns

A Healthy Approach to Childbirth
Guthrie’s Midwives attend women during childbirth and are trained and experienced in prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum and normal newborn care. Throughout pregnancy, a midwife regularly monitors your health and answers questions about fetal development, good nutrition, personal hygiene, exercise, travel and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

During labor, a midwife evaluates your progress and is there to offer emotional and physical support and to deliver your baby. Your family can be involved according to your wishes. If a problem arises, a physician is available to assist.

Follow-up care begins after birth as your midwife assesses your baby and provides advice and support on breast-feeding, infant care and more.

Setting a Standard for Women’s Health and Wellness
Guthrie’s Midwives are skilled professionals who provide reproductive health care to women of all ages. Midwives are certified by a national examination through the American College of Nurse-Midwives. From the childbearing years to menopause and beyond, Guthrie’s Midwives can play an active role in helping you maintain your health.

Guthrie’s Midwifery Services are covered by most private insurance carriers, as well as Medicare, Medicaid, and managed-care programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Midwifery
 

What is midwifery?
Midwifery is the art of woman-centered care with a focus on helping women during childbirth and beyond. Midwives work in nearly every country around the globe, delivering the majority of the world’s babies.

What do midwives do?
Midwives educate and empower women to take control of their own health care. They provide services such as well-woman gynecological care, prenatal care and delivery, family planning, peri-menopausal and post-menopausal care.

What would my midwife do if complications occurred during childbirth?
Midwives work collaboratively with obstetricians who are available to assist with your care. Even if complications arise and the help of a doctor is needed, your midwife will stay with you and continue to offer support throughout the birthing process.

What qualifications do Guthrie’s Certified Nurse-Midwives have?
All of Guthrie’s Midwives hold a degree in nursing and have earned a Certificate of Nurse-Midwifery from an accredited program. In addition, Guthrie’s Midwives meet requirements set by state health agencies and are dually licensed as registered nurses and midwives in both New York and Pennsylvania. They have more than four decades of combined experience as practicing midwives plus backgrounds in health care.

In addition to Midwifery Services, Guthrie offers other maternity care options to meet your health care needs and preferences:

• Obstetrician: A medical doctor specially trained in prenatal care and childbirth who handles the health care of women before and during pregnancy.

• Family Practice Physician: A physician trained to handle all aspects of family care, including childbirth and the care of mother and baby after birth.

 

 

 

 

For more information, call Guthrie at 1-888-4GUTHRIE (1-888-448-8474).