Midwifery

At Effingham Obstetrics & Gynecology, our certified nurse-midwives are proud to provide expert healthcare to women throughout our service area. With a unique blend of medical expertise and compassionate support, our midwives are here to guide you through every stage of your reproductive health – from routine checkups to childbirth and beyond.

In addition to maternity services, our midwives offer a full range of women's health care, including:

• Annual well-woman exams
• Breast and pelvic exams
• Birth control and family planning counseling
• Pessary fittings
• STD testing
• And more

Midwife Care: Questions & Answers

What qualifications do nurse-midwives have?
Every nurse-midwife on our team is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed advanced education through a program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). They have passed rigorous national certification exams and meet high professional standards.

What is the nurse-midwife model of care?
Nurse-midwives provide care centered around the natural processes of pregnancy and childbirth, focusing on shared decision-making and personalized support. Their approach includes:

• Monitoring overall health throughout pregnancy and birth
• Minimizing medical interventions
• Providing comprehensive prenatal education and counseling
• Assisting through labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery
• Referring patients to physicians when necessary

This model ensures compassionate, personalized care backed by medical skill and sound judgment.

Is it safe to give birth with a nurse-midwife?
Absolutely. Our nurse-midwives offer the same high standard of care as our physicians. They are highly trained professionals who collaborate with our medical team and refer to physicians when necessary – ensuring both safety and a supportive, individualized experience.

Why choose a nurse-midwife?
All of our providers offer excellent care, but if you're looking for a more natural, woman-centered birth experience, a nurse-midwife may be the right fit. Midwives encourage low-intervention births but fully support your personal choices – including induction, epidurals, and medications.

Nurse-midwifery is a great option for healthy women with low-risk pregnancies who want to play an active role in their care. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk due to medical conditions, age, or complications, our obstetricians will provide the specialized care you need.