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Health Information | 03/09/2023

Pregnant? Consider Midwifery Care

By  Mary Gosney, CNM
African American midwife giving care to a pregnant patient
Being pregnant is a wonderful time, full of anticipation and excitement for the arrival of a baby. Parents want to be sure they are doing the right things to keep their baby healthy before, during, and after birth. Finding the right clinician to provide reassurance and support during your prenatal care and through labor, birth and beyond can make a big difference. At Atrius Health, we understand how important finding the right care is for every patient, which is why we are pleased to offer the option to receive your care from a certified nurse midwife.

What is a midwife?

A certified nurse midwife has completed advanced education to provide midwifery care, with a focus on care during a person’s lifetime, from the beginning of the menstrual cycle, through pregnancy, birth and menopause. Midwives have been an important part of pregnancy care for many centuries. Many patients enjoy the special relationship and caring ways midwives provide support and education for their patients’ gynecologic, prenatal and postpartum experiences.

Flexibility and collaboration for the prenatal care you want

One of the hallmarks of receiving your prenatal care at Atrius Health is the flexibility and choice you have with how and where you receive your care, as well as your choice of delivery hospital. Atrius Health midwives offer contraceptive, gynecologic, and prenatal care at Cambridge, Chestnut Hill/West Roxbury, Copley, Dedham, Kenmore, Medford, Norwood, Post Office Square, Quincy, Watertown, and Wellesley. We provide individualized care with a focus on wellness, active listening, and encouragement. At Atrius Health, our midwives can easily collaborate with our obstetricians to provide you with the care that best meets your individual needs. Our midwives support labor, delivery and births at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and Mount Auburn Hospital.

What can a midwife offer?

Our midwives are committed to each patient’s physical, social, and emotional health throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy is a normal, healthy part of a patient’s journey, and midwives specialize in keeping our patients comfortable and confident in their body’s natural abilities. Along with providing personalized, patient-centered care, a midwife can educate patients on all available care options. They assist in developing your family’s birth plans and offer information on different birthing options such as water births, VBACs (vaginal birth after c-section), and pain management techniques. Atrius Health’s midwives are here to encourage patients through their pregnancy and postpartum journeys with a focus on empowerment and education. We use current evidence and collective knowledge to provide holistic, individualized, and respectful care to every person. Midwives also care for and support patients throughout all stages of their life. Teens, those who are experiencing menopause, and anyone who needs gynecological care can all benefit from having a midwife. Midwives discuss family planning, all contraceptive options, and offer support and education in pre-and post-menopausal years. If you’re interested in learning more about Atrius Health’s midwifery services, consider registering for an upcoming virtual “Meet the Midwives” event or talk to your primary care provider for more details.

About The Author

Mary Gosney, CNM

Currently the Midwifery Director at Atrius Health, Mary joined Atrius Health in 1992 as a midwife after earning her professional degree from Georgetown University. She is board certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Mary sees patients at our Norwood practice and delivers at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She is deeply committed to women and their health, providing them with support, education and preventive information for a healthy lifestyle. Mary also has clinical interests in supporting women during high-risk pregnancy, adolescent OB/Gyn, and smoking cessation.

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