Philosphy
"Everyone has the right to safe satisfying health care with respect for human dignity and cultural variation."
The word MIDWIFE means "with woman". From the time someone is admitted to the hospital we are there to provide care, giving support, encouragement and well placed spurts of humor, all as part of our role.
The cornerstones of our midwifery practice are:
1) EDUCATION AND COUNSELING
If we as consumers are educated and informed, we are part of the decision making process. Obstetrics, Gynecology and health care in general are not beyond lay comprehension.
2) ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING
If we are actively involved in our health care choices, we share in the responsibility for the outcome. Our involvement brings about a feeling of empowerment, allowing us to experience fulfillment and completion in our reproductive health care.
3) FAMILY CENTERED AND PERSONALIZED CARE
Birth belongs to the family. The care providers are the honored guests, serving at the side of the women and family. In our practice, family participation is strongly supported and encouraged.
PERSONALIZED CARE means choice. In our practice, alternatives are explored. Sometimes a dad wants to deliver the baby; sometimes a sibling wants to cut the cord. The mom may want a completely non-medical birth, with no routine IVs, or fetal monitors; she may want to spend her labor soaking in a whirlpool tub, she may want to deliver squatting, or on her hands and knees, or on her side,...... she may want some pain medication, called "sedation", or she may want epidural anesthesia. In midwifery care, within the boundaries of safety, you get CHOICE.
4) TIME INTENSIVE CARE
Providing education, counseling, informed consent and choice are not exclusively the domain of the midwife....but, listening to questions and providing information on options does take time...... MIDWIFERY CARE IS TIME INTENSIVE.