How Our OBGYN & Midwife Team Work Together
We've found that the best care happens when different experts work as one. At Interior Women's Health, we don't make you choose between a medical approach and a holistic one. Instead, our board-certified OBGYNs and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) work side-by-side to support you through every stage of pregnancy and beyond.
A CNM is a highly trained medical professional with an advanced degree in nursing and specialized training in midwifery. While midwives focus on the natural, physiological process of birth, our OBGYNs are experts in managing high-risk complications and performing surgical interventions. By combining these strengths, we ensure you have a dedicated advocate for your birth plan and a surgical safety net if you ever need it.
What are the benefits of collaborative care?
Collaborative care isn't just a preference; it's backed by significant medical research. When midwives and doctors work together, patients often experience better clinical outcomes and higher satisfaction. Our team uses this model to provide "wrap-around" care that prioritizes your physical and emotional well-being.
According to research from Cochrane (2024), women who receive continuity of care from a midwife are 24% less likely to experience a preterm birth. This model allows for more time-intensive education and emotional support during your prenatal visits. It also means there's always a familiar face and a consistent standard of care, whether your pregnancy is low-risk or requires more medical attention.
Furthermore, integrating midwives into the hospital team helps reduce unnecessary medical interventions. Data from Yale (2023) shows that first-time mothers in hospitals with integrated midwifery teams are 74% less likely to have their labor artificially induced.
We focus on "watchful waiting," which gives your body the time it needs to progress naturally while we monitor you and your baby's safety.
Common myths about midwives and OBGYNs
There's often a misconception that choosing Midwife Services means you can't have a hospital birth or use pain management. That couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, over 94% of midwife-attended births in the US occur in fully equipped hospitals, where all your medical options remain available.
Our midwives have full prescriptive authority, which means they can order epidurals, nitrous oxide, or other medications if that's what you choose. You don't have to sacrifice comfort for personalized care. If an emergency arises and a Cesarean section becomes necessary, our OBGYNs are right there to perform the surgery while your midwife stays by your side to provide continuous support.
A team approach to your health
Our collaboration doesn't end once your baby is born. We provide comprehensive care for women of all ages, from routine exams to menopause management. Because our team shares the same office and medical records, your care is always seamless. We're here to listen to your concerns, respect your autonomy, and provide the highest standard of medical expertise in Fairbanks.
You deserve a care team that values your voice and prioritizes your safety. Whether you're planning a family or need specialized gynecological care, we're ready to support you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about how we work together for your health.
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