What is a nurse midwife?
A certified nurse midwife is a licensed health care practitioner educated in the two disciplines of
nursing and midwifery. To learn more about nurse midwifery, please visit the website of the
American College of Nurse Midwives, http://www.midwife.org/
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How does midwife care differ from that of an obstetrician?
There are many similarities in the structure and organization of care, but the
philosophy that drives our actions is different. Midwives believe pregnancy and
birth are usually normal, healthy events in a woman’s life, requiring guidance
and support but intervention only when medically necessary. This belief is reflected
in the way we are educated and the way we ‘manage’ a labor and birth. We spend
a great deal of time at the side of the laboring woman, offering comfort and reassurance,
and remaining alert so that if a problem does develop, we can catch it early. We value the
opportunity to get to know our clients and develop a relationship of trust and mutual respect.
We also take time to educate clients so they can be full participants in decision making concerning
their health and health care.
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What if I am high risk?
Having a high risk pregnancy does not necessarily mean you are not eligible for midwifery care.
We have a close working relationship with Mount Auburn OB-GYN Associates (MAOGA), a group
of board certified obstetrician-gynecologists, with whom we consult as needed for pregnant or
laboring women as well as gynecology clients. We have collaborated with our MAOGA colleagues
to care for women with pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetics, multiple pregnancies,
breech births, and many other high risk conditions.
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How do I meet the midwives?
We offer “Meet the Midwives” nights about every six weeks.
These are usually on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm in the Hurwitz Auditorium.
For upcoming Meet the Midwives dates, click here.
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Where are MaMA offices located?
For a complete list of our office locations and phone numbers, click here.
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I had my first baby by cesarean. Am I eligible for care by midwives?
Yes. In most cases, we can offer you a “trial of labor.” This means we will wait for you to go into labor
and care for you in much the same way as for someone who has never had a cesarean. Most of the time,
a vaginal birth after cesarean (“VBAC”) will follow. About 2/3 to 3/4 of our clients who attempted a
VBAC were successful! However, if you would prefer another cesarean, we can arrange that. We will still
see you for your prenatal visits and stay with you in the operating room while one of our consultant
OBs performs the surgery.
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What services does MaMA provide?
Complete care for pregnancy, birth and postpartum
Well woman gynecological care from adolescence through menopause
Family planning counseling and methods
Childbirth classes and referrals to hypnobirthing classes
Counseling for health maintenance and disease prevention
Alternative Insemination
How do I register for childbirth classes?
Information about child birth education classes can be found here.
Contact the Midwifery office for information about childbirth classes or to register for a class.
The office can be reached at 617-499-5130.
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