Certified nurse-midwives are providers of primary health care of women and newborns. Care by nurse-midwives incorporates all of the essential factors of primary care and case management that include evaluation, assessment, treatment and referral as appropriate. The model of health care practiced by CNMs is focused on the ambulatory care of women and newborns and emphasizes health promotion, education and disease prevention and sees the woman as central to the process of providing such care.

An annual exam or well-woman exam would include:

Review of health history

Review of life-style habits

Review and discussion of any specific problems or concerns

Complete physical exam

Laboratory testing

Prescription needs

Additional specialty testing as indicated

Referrals to specialists as indicated

Education and counseling as indicated

If this is the first time visiting Women’s View Midwifery, please arrive 10 minutes early to complete necessary medical history. In effort to ensure you get the most accurate Pap smear results, please do not use vaginal douches or creams for at least three days prior to your appointment, refrain from sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours prior to your appointment, and do not use tampons, birth control foams, cream, douches, or lubricants for at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. These things make it difficult to collect an adequate cellular sample.

We encourage our clients to schedule their appointment about one or two weeks after you expect your period. If your period starts, and you know you are due for your Pap smear, call our office to reschedule.

Laboratory Testing can include:

Cholesterol/Lipid Screening

Complete Blood Count

Thyroid Testing

Blood sugar evaluation

Fecal Occult Blood Test

Menopausal and perimenopausal hormone levels

Vitamin D levels

Lead levels or screening for toxic metals

Screening for immunity to common childhood diseases

Other Health Screening Services include:

Colonoscopy Referral

Bone Density, Osteoporosis Evaluation

Mammogram screening

Cervical Cancer Screening

Treatment for PMS and/or abnormal menstrual periods

Family planning, Contraceptive management including IUD placement

Thyroid evaluations

Anemia

Diabetes

Sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment

Genetic screening/counseling, ie: BRAC analysis for Breast and Ovarian cancer gene mutations

Teen Care

Pelvic floor evaluation and referral to specialists as indicated

Complete Maternity Services including prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum care.

We believe education is one of our most powerful tools, and one that will help you make informed choices that are right for you. We believe birth is a very special time—one of great challenge and fulfillment, and we work to provide you and your baby with a safe and satisfying experience. Your family is welcome to support you through all stages of your pregnancy.

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is an integral part of the service we provide. Visits are scheduled every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, every 2 weeks between 28 and 36 weeks, and then weekly until birth. Family and friends are welcome during your visits. We enjoy meeting your 'birth team' during your pregnancy!

Medical and obstetrical histories are taken and a physical exam is done. There will also be time for answering questions. At this visit and at all subsequent visits the following are done:

Measurement of blood pressure and urine analysis

Nutritional assessment and weight

Assessment of any swelling

Screen for signs or symptoms of infection or illness.

Monitor the growth of the uterus (fundal height) and for normal growth of your baby

Position of the baby

Monitor and assess baby's heart rate and rhythm

Monitor and assess baby's movement and activity level

Other: common discomforts of pregnancy and remedies, emotional concerns, and anything else you or I believe needs addressing

Laboratory testing as needed or required at initial visit, 28th week, and 36th week

Prenatal education and referrals to WIC, and other community outreach programs.

Ultrasound for anatomy and growth is routinely ordered at the 20th week of pregnancy. Follow-up ultrasounds are ordered as medically indicated.

Labor & Delivery

During labor and birth we:

Provide emotional support

Suggest positioning and comfort measures

Support your choices for your birth plan

Support natural childbirth as well as several medical pain relief options

Offer the option of waterbirth for relaxation and comfort

Every labor is different and you will receive individualized care appropriate to your situation. We do our best to honor your wishes.   Both you and your baby will be monitored frequently during labor to assure that all is proceeding normally. All vital signs, urine analysis, nutrition status, membrane status, contractions, etc will be checked, and the baby's heart beat will be assessed. We provide labor and delivery services at Southwestern Medical Center in Bennington, Vermont.

Postpartum Care

Complete postpartum care is provided in the first six weeks after the birth. This is a full physical exam post delivery that includes: vital signs, general appearance and mood, nutrition, uterus, lochia, and pap smear. We will also discuss breastfeeding and any other concerns or family dynamics.  Please call our office post delivery to schedule this followup visit.