Midwifery

St. Joseph's Health Midwives are a division of St. Joseph’s Health OB/GYN serving women of Central New York for gynecology and obstetrical care.

Women’s healthcare is unique.  You can expect respectful, safe care from midwives who feel like friends. We aim to help you maintain optimum GYN health and close monitoring in a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Midwives view birth as a normal, natural process and can offer limited tracking, food, drink during labor, comfort measures of the patient’s choice, and labor support. Midwives are specially trained to limit birth interventions but can offer them if the need arises. We will listen to your needs and limit interventions as birthing will allow.

Services include:

• Gynecological exams
• PAP smears
• Mammograms
• STI testing
• Blood testing
• Genetic disease testing
• Family planning
• Pregnancy care
• Lactation education and support
• Fetal genetic screening
• Delivery in a hospital setting
• Natural comfort measures
• Medical comfort measures
• Labor support

 

What is a midwife?
The term midwife means "With Woman."  Midwives specialize in women's reproductive health and care of pregnant women and during childbirth. Midwives are specially trained as advanced practice providers, and at St. Joseph's Health Midwifery, we all started with a nursing background.

Where do I have my baby?
At St. Joseph's Health Hospital, we offer childbirth in a natural setting, providing a range of options to suit your preferences.  During labor, we can offer walking, the tub, the shower, and labor support to assist with your birth.  We also have the flexibility to offer IV pain medication, nitrous oxide, and epidural should you choose this path.

What happens if there are complications?
If problems arise during pregnancy, our group is affiliated with Obstetricians. They are available in the office and during labor and delivery for consultation and assistance. St. Joseph's Health Hospital has a level III neonatal intensive care unit and is ready to care for higher-risk women and babies.

Can the midwife service be billed through my insurance?
Midwives in New York State are independent and can bill your insurance for services, just as your physician would. We see most patients on a routine prenatal schedule and do routine prenatal testing and ultrasounds.  If consultation is needed for GYN procedures or high-risk pregnancies, both are offered directly through St. Joseph's Health. There is no need for additional referrals.

To schedule an appointment, please call 315.703.5200

Meet Our Certified Nurse Midwives