How To Find The Perfect Chicago Midwife For You

When it comes to the birth of your child, I want you to have the safest experience possible. Finding a Chicago midwife can be exactly what you need. I know finding a midwife can seem overwhelming, and I want you to be prepared when you begin your search! Here’s a little background information, plus five of the best midwifery options in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. 

What Is A Midwife? 

A midwife is a trained medical professional helping women throughout their labor, delivery, and after the delivery of their child. There are four different levels of training for midwives: 

  1. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

These are Registered Nurses (RN’s) who got their degree from an accredited program of nurse-midwifery. They passed the national midwife exam. 

  1. Certified Midwife (CM)

Non RN midwives who have a degree in some related medical field, have done an accredited program. They passed the national exam. 

  1. Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)

Non RN midwives who have professional training and clinical experience in childbirth. They passed the national exam. 

  1. Lay Midwife 

Not certified or licensed but have experienced some apprenticeship or informal training. 

The national exam is given by the American Midwifery Certification Board

The Difference Between A Midwife And A Doula 

The most important difference between a midwife and a doula is that midwives have certified medical training. They are there to provide medical care for you throughout your pregnancy, during birth, and after birth. Midwives can work with you after childbirth as your primary OB-GYN care. Doulas are there to provide you with emotional and physical support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. Doulas mostly work at birthing centers. They only with women who are considered to have normal pregnancies.

Are Midwives For Home-Births Only? 

Midwives can work with you in childbirth at home, a birthing center, or in a hospital. Over 90% of births with midwife assistance take place in a hospital. The role of a midwife is to work and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Midwives also work in private practices and clinics. Childbirth can be unmedicated or medicated with a midwife. That depends on what you need!  

Five Top Chicagoland And Chicago Midwifery Organizations

  1. Midwives at Swedish Covenant Health Chicago
  2. Northwestern Medical Group Midwives Chicago
  3. Amita Health Midwives Chicago
  4. OMG Women’s Healthcare Hinsdale
  5. North Shore Associates in Gynecology and Obstetrics North Shore 

The health of you and your baby is the most important thing. Midwives can offer amazing support and medical care for you. I want your childbirth to be a wonderful experience, and a midwife can help achieve that.

Certainly, should you need a lifestyle photographer in Chicago or its surrounding suburbs, you know I would absolutely love to be there for you – every step along the way. Simply send me a message; I’m here for you.

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