What is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?

Midwifery as practiced by Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) encompasses a full range of primary health care services for women from adolescence beyond menopause. These services include the independent provision of primary care, gynecologic and family planning services, preconception care, care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, care of the normal newborn during the first 28 days of life, and treatment of male partners for sexually transmitted infections.

What do nurse midwives do?

Midwives provide initial and ongoing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment. They conduct physical examinations; prescribe medications including controlled substances and contraceptive methods; admit, manage and discharge patients; order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests and order the use of medical devices.

What is midwifery care?

Midwifery care includes health promotion, disease prevention, and individualized wellness education and counseling. These services are provided in partnership with women and families in diverse settings such as ambulatory care clinics, private offices, community and public health systems, homes, hospitals and birth centers.

What education does a nurse midwife have?

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are educated in two disciplines: midwifery and nursing. They earn graduate degrees, complete a midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to receive the professional designation of CNM. CNMs must demonstrate that they meet the Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) upon completion of their midwifery education programs and must practice in accordance with ACNM Standards for the Practice of Midwifery.

Do you accept insurance?

As of right now I am out of network with moth insurance companies(In-Network with BCBS and Cigna). If you have out-of-network benefits, insurance can be used for your care. But sometimes the self-pay cash price is less expensive than using insurance. I also accept healthshare programs. In order to bill insurance a verification of benefits must be run through my biller.

Do you offer discounts for self-pay?

Yes! I offer monthly payment plans and am able to offer extended payment plans up to 6 weeks postpartum. I also offer a 20% discount for my services that are paid in full upfront.

Do I still need to see my doctor?

No! I am a recognized healthcare provider that takes low-risk women. In order to transfer care book an appointment with me and get a copy of your medical records to bring with you to your first appointment.

Do you offer home birth?

Yes! Midwifery care is individualized and no matter what location you choose, you will receive the same personalized care. Home birth is just as safe, if not safer, than delivering in the hospital.

What if there is an emergency?

I have been trained to manage most common complications, but in the event it becomes unmanageable you will be transferred to the hospital immediately. The Birth Center is conveniently located across the street from Texas Health Arlington Memorial. In a home birth situation we will go to the nearest hospital.

What about labs and ultrasounds?

I draw all of my own labs and send them to Quest Labs. At the Birth & Wellness Center of Arlington we have a sonographer that comes every other week to do ultrasounds for our clients. My collaborating physician is a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor and he also does ultrasounds as well as consults for me. Labs and ultrasounds can be billed to your insurance.

Do you offer VBAC?

I do offer VBACs after a free consultation to determine if it is a safe option for you to consider.

Do you take late transfers?

Late transfers are taken on a case-by-case basis. I will take transfers up to 34 weeks of pregnancy for someone who has been getting regular prenatal care, is low-risk, and able to obtain medical records. I do require childbirth education for late transfers unless client has had a previous unmedicated out-of-hospital delivery.

Do you offer waterbirth?

Absolutely! There are so many benefits of water during labor and delivery. The majority of my births take place in the water. Whether you are planning a birth center birth or a home birth, waterbirth is an option for you.

Can my partner catch my baby?

Absolutely! Not only is it encouraged, but it also helps with the bonding experience of the entire new family. Everyone feels involved and it creates a sense of pride and appreciation for human life.