Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) in Kansas City
If you’re considering alternative childbirth options, including unmedicated or low-intervention delivery, midwives offer comprehensive, holistic care tailored to your birthing preferences.
HCA Midwest Health's midwifery program is the largest in the Kansas City area, led by CNMs providing crucial emotional and medical support. Our goal is to cultivate a more natural and home-like birthing experience with the added safety and security of a complete hospital staff.
Services provided by our midwivies
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are advanced registered nurses, masters-trained and/or board-certified through the American Midwifery Certification Board. They are committed to respecting and supporting women's healthcare choices. Our midwives provide the following services:
- Custom birthing plans
- Doula referrals
- Facilitating father-assisted birth
- Family planning, including contraceptive treatment
- Guidance with breastfeeding
- Management of your wellbeing during menopause
- Well-woman exams
CNMs work with your OB/GYN to practice evidence-based medicine and maintain current knowledge about relevant research. They can also administer medication and perform certain procedures, such as vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC), in partnership with our obstetricians.
FAQs about using a midwife for labor and delivery
If you're considering using a midwife during your pregnancy and delivery, below is a list of answers to common questions we receive about midwifery services.
What does a certified nurse midwife (CNM) do?
Our compassionate CNMs personalize their services to meet your unique needs. Midwives can help arrange a low-intervention birthing experience in a hospital setting. Whether you’re considering an epidural, nitrous oxide, unmedicated birth or alternative therapies for pain relief during labor, midwives are prepared to support you.
What are the benefits of using a midwife?
Births attended by midwives are reported to have lower rates of C-sections and episiotomies. In addition to clinical care, CNMs provide educational, emotional and social support for patients and families through pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. They are dedicated to helping you leave the hospital feeling confident and equipped to maintain your health moving forward.
Can a CNM deliver a baby in the hospital?
Yes, CNMs can deliver babies in hospital settings. They collaborate with obstetricians and nurses to help ensure a safe labor and delivery experience.
Can midwives give epidurals?
While midwives can help guide your pain management decisions, they cannot administer epidurals. They rely on anesthesiologists or certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) for epidural administration.
Can I have a low-intervention birth without a midwife?
Yes. You can have a low-intervention birth with an OB-GYN or other qualified maternity care provider. While CNMs commonly support low-intervention and natural birth approaches, many obstetricians and hospital-based care teams also offer low-intervention birth options.