Pregnancy and childbirth are natural, transformative experiences — and nurse-midwives play an essential role in guiding women and families through these life stages. They offer personalized, compassionate, holistic care that focuses on the physical, emotional, mental and social well-being of the entire family.
Midwifery care is rooted in the principles of inclusivity, empowerment and respect. Nurse-midwives emphasize informed choice, ensuring that families feel supported in making decisions that are right for them. This approach promotes positive, healthy experiences throughout pregnancy, childbirth and beyond.
The support of midwives extends beyond the birthing room. They provide comprehensive care that includes reproductive health, postpartum care and well-woman services — all contributing to lifelong well-being. Importantly, midwifery care is inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that everyone receives respectful, personalized care.
Midwives offer expert care for women from adolescence through menopause. As independent providers, they have the training and authority to evaluate, diagnose, treat and prescribe medications autonomously. They are also skilled collaborators who will work alongside physicians when additional consultation or transfer of care is needed.
Asante’s nurse-midwives offer a broad range of services, including:
- Prenatal care.
- Labor and delivery support, from unmedicated water births to epidurals and induction.
- Postpartum care.
- Well-woman care and annual physical exams, including breast and pelvic exams.
- Family planning, contraception and reproductive health care.
- Breastfeeding and infant bonding support.
- Care for newborns during the first 28 days of life.
What if a complication develops during my pregnancy?
Asante midwives work within a network of experts. We do require a mid-pregnancy ultrasound of your baby at Asante’s Maternal Fetal Medicine clinic in Medford. Should a complication arise during your pregnancy, Asante midwives continue to consult and collaborate with the experts at MFM as necessary for high-risk care.
Are midwives appropriate for all pregnancies?
Nurse-midwife services are appropriate for almost every pregnant person. Women at risk for complications may be referred to a physician who has specialized training. Potential health or pregnancy risks include:
- Previous deliveries by C-section.
- Previous complications during pregnancy.
- Certain health issues or medical problems.
You will be asked about these risks when making your first appointment. Please provide a candid and detailed medical history so we can direct you to the provider that best suits your and your baby’s needs.
If my last child was delivered by C-section, can I have the next one vaginally with the help of a midwife?
Asante’s certified nurse-midwives do not provide care for vaginal deliveries after C-section; however, the option is available through physicians affiliated with Ashland Community Hospital and can be delivered at Rogue Regional Medical Center.
What is the difference between a CNM and a doctor?
A Certified Nurse-Midwife and a Family Practice Doctor with Obstetrics privileges differ in their training, approach to care and areas of expertise. A CNM is an advanced practice nurse who holds a master's or doctoral nursing degree, specializing in midwifery care. In contrast, an FPOB is a medical doctor who has completed additional training and certification in family medicine, with a focus on obstetrics.
Midwives typically manage low- to moderate-risk pregnancies, providing personalized care. They focus on supporting the emotional, physical and social well-being of the mother, often using non-invasive methods and emphasizing natural birth practices.
Doctors are trained to handle both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies, including those involving multiple pregnancies, pre-existing medical conditions or complications that may require surgical intervention.
While midwives are equipped to manage the majority of pregnancies, they collaborate closely with FPOBs when more advanced care is needed, such as in the case of a C-section or vacuum-assisted delivery. In these situations, the midwife continues to provide emotional support, ensuring the mother’s comfort and sense of empowerment, while the FPOB handles the medical aspects of the delivery. This partnership provides comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of the mother and family.
