Nurse midwives play a vital role in pregnancy and labor at Adriatica Women’s Health. Our collaboration with midwives is part of our commitment to top-quality obstetric care that provides women with an extra layer of support during this exciting chapter in their lives.
Studies show that nurse midwives help create healthy outcomes for babies and mothers. But many women have questions about the role of midwives and how these dedicated practitioners aid doctors and delivery nurses.
What is a midwife?
A midwife is a certified professional who provides women with support during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. A certified midwife is a registered nurse who has a master’s degree in nursing in addition to other degrees and certifications. This level of care includes best practices and support for a normal birth, preventive measures for at-risk pregnancies, assessing medical care and assisting with medical emergencies when necessary. At AWH, our midwives assist in all types of deliveries and postpartum care.
At Adriatica we have three nurse midwives on staff who deliver babies. Our certified Midwives are Liz Marley, Courtney Watson and Holly Costello.
“I believe midwifery is about empowerment and advocacy for women. Liz Marley says. Women should be given options for birth and the resources and power to have the experience that they desire. I feel great honor and pride for being invited into a woman’s journey through her life, especially the transition from womanhood to motherhood.”
How will a midwife work with my OBGYN?
At Adriatica, you can choose our midwife team or our physician team to deliver your baby. Please note, however, that our midwives work alongside your doctor and even help perform wellness exams and prescribe birth control in addition to helping with the birthing process. Think of your OB/GYN and midwife as a team, providing a holistic approach to care that addresses the physical and emotional aspects of your pregnancy and reproductive health.
What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?
Midwives and doulas are both personal choices and have important roles. A midwife is a health care provider and a doula serves as a trained childbirth coach who can help with executing your birth plan and managing pain in labor. A midwife has certification requirements and medical degrees to deliver your baby if needed and perform other medical procedures in conjunction with your OB/GYN.
Does insurance cover midwife services?
Most insurance companies in our network cover midwife services at AWH. To view a list of insurance plans in our network visit here. We recommend calling your insurance company prior to your first visit to confirm the network status of the provider you are seeing.