Midwives offer a unique sense of compassion and mutual respect for the birthing process. AU Health's midwives not only practice this philosophy, they are also trained and certified to perform their duties safely as the only certified nurse-midwives in the area. They also have the support of a team of highly trained medical staff, including:

• Obstetricians (OB)
• Maternal-fetal Medicine specialists
• Neonatologists
• Pediatricians
• Anesthesiologists
• Nurse anesthetists

Who can be cared for by a certified nurse-midwife?

Patients typically choose a nurse-midwife if they are generally in good health, at lower-risk for major problems, and are having a normal pregnancy. We will do a medical history and exam to find out what your pregnancy risk is to determine the best care plan for you.

What about complications during pregnancy, labor, or delivery?

If at any point during your pregnancy, labor, or delivery, a situation arises where you become high-risk, or emergency surgery becomes necessary, nurse-midwives know when to act and get an obstetrician involved. If this happens in the delivery room, CNMs will stay by your side to help you and provide you with the support you need.

Certified nurse-midwives provide the same pregnancy care as OB/GYNs, including:

• Monitoring your health and the health of your baby
• Helping you choose a childbirth method
• Educating families about mother and infant care and preparing for parenthood
• Medication prescriptions
• Consulting and collaborating with other doctors, as needed
• Providing epidurals for pain management during labor
• Labor and delivery and postpartum care

Did you Know

Certified Nurse Midwives also provide a full range of other healthcare services, including: 

• Annual GYN exams
• Well-woman checkups
• Contraception and family planning
• Nutritional counseling
• Preconception counseling
• Treating uncomplicated gynecologic problems
• STD screening and treatment
• Menopause management

So, should you choose a CNM or an OB/GYN? This is a very personal question, one that should be discussed with your partner, family, friends, and primary care provider.

It's important to be educated and weigh all your options when it comes to the kind of birth you want to have. Ultimately, the final decision is up to you, so choose whatever you feel most comfortable with.

Our Midwives

• Gabrielle Helfgott, DNP, MSN, NCMP, Certified nurse-midwife, menopause specialist
• Elisa Jenks, MSN, CNM, Certified nurse-midwife
• Linda Randolph, MSN, CNM, Certified nurse-midwife