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Midwifery

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) are highly skilled professionals who have received formal training in primary care and women’s health from a nationally accredited program through the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACME). They receive their certification through the American Colleges of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).

Midwife Services

  • Free orientation class with other expecting families so that many of your questions can be answered and a tour can be given
  • A one and a half hour initial prenatal appointment to review prenatal care, birth center care and expectations, review your medical history, perform a physical exam, collect any laboratory specimens and sign consents.
  • Thirty minute return appointments
  • Ultrasounds as needed
  • Early discharge planning class at 36-38 weeks
  • Family centered care where your children are welcome to attend
  • Consultation, collaboration and referral to our in-hours obstetricians as needed for more specialized or acute care

  • Annual Exams
  • Pap smears and breast exams
  • Problem gynecology
  • Contraceptive counseling

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

A doula is chosen by the expectant mother to work with her and her family during labor to provide uninterrupted physical and emotional support. They can be an integral part of the labor team. A midwife has the same goal, but in addition to that, is responsible for monitoring the health of mom and baby during labor. They will also provide the mother information about her progress; give her options or advice related to her labor, discussing medical decisions as needed and deliver her baby.

Can you explain the relationship midwives and physicians have?

There is a practice agreement between CNM’s and physicians. They participate in collaborative management and will complete a referral for high risk situations, ie; abnormal presentations, c-section. The CNM’s will often be first assist during a c-section and continue to be present for continuity of care after the delivery.

Are patients under the care of a midwife able to have an epidural?

Yes, Midwives listen to women and what choices they want to make. If an epidural is something the expectant mother has a strong desire for, they will honor that request.

What about other interventions such as IV’s, Episiotomies, continuous fetal monitoring and tubs?

Each intervention is evaluated on its own merit as the midwife assesses how to provide safe care. There are indications for each of these measures. Communications will occur with the patient and the medical team to determine the need for these. Most midwives favor an approach to pregnancy, labor and birth that is based on normal, bodily processes rather than on the use of medical procedures; an approach that is strongly supported by current research.

What role will the midwife have after delivery?

They will maintain continuity of care and follow the postpartum mom through her hospital stay. The newborn needing a circumcision will have this performed by the practice agreement physician or the newborn provider.

I want to make an appointment!  How do I do this?

Please call the location you prefer.

The Women's Health Clinic at Immanuel can be reached at (402) 547-3790 to make an appointment with one of our CHI Health Immanuel midwives.  Clinic hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm monday through friday.  Prior to your appointment print out and fill in the routine paperwork found in this link.  If you cannot fill this out prior to your appointment, we encourage you to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment so that you and your midwife will have time to talk and answer questions.

The Women's Health Clinics in Lincoln can be reached at either (402) 484-4081 for the 70th and A location, or (402) 488-6370 for the CHI Health Clinic Midwifery location.