Midwifery

EvergreenHealth Midwifery Care is pleased to offer you and your family the option of a midwife delivery at the Family Maternity Center.

Our certified nurse-midwife deliveries offer high quality, low-intervention care in a safe and welcoming environment. They are backed 24/7 by obstetricians for collaboration and consultation when needed, along with access to a full range of services available through EvergreenHealth Medical Center.

Why choose a midwife birth?

Many women choose to partner with a midwife for pregnancy and birth because:

• Midwives view pregnancy as a normal physiological stage; they focus on supporting what is normal and minimizing unnecessary interventions.
• They help you have a healthy pregnancy and birth through education about your body and how to maximize your health during pregnancy.
• Midwifery care is woman-centered; the goal is to ensure that each woman has the birth experience she desires, whatever that means to her.
• Prenatal appointments with midwives tend to be longer.
• Midwives tend to spend more time by your side during labor—supporting you and watching for any health concerns.
• Midwives provide access to a host of pain relief options in labor, including massage, relaxation, use of a tub and epidural anesthesia if desired.
• Research indicates that women who choose a nurse-midwife have lower rates of labor induction, cesarean section and perineal trauma, along with higher rates of breastfeeding.

What is a Certified Nurse-Midwife?

In the state of Washington, there are two kinds of midwives: certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives.

The midwives of EvergreenHealth Midwifery Care are certified nurse-midwives (CNM). They have completed a university-affiliated accredited nurse-midwifery program (with a dual degree in nursing and midwifery) and passed the national certification exam.

CNMs can attend deliveries in hospitals, birth centers, and homes, but 97% of births attended by CNMs occur in a hospital setting.

CNM's can prescribe medications and order diagnostic procedures when appropriate and medically indicated.

Meet a Midwife

This free 30-minute session will introduce you to the unique, personalized birthing experience offered by EvergreenHealth Midwifery Care.

Available dates and online registration