Midwifery FAQ
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Comprehensive Services
Our babies are born at The Fudge Family Birthing Suites at Hoag Hospital Irvine.
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Can my partner catch the baby? Can I catch the baby?
We encourage you both to be actively involved in the birth of your baby. We will work together to help you catch your baby as much as possible.
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What’s the difference between physician care and midwifery care?
Physicians are trained in medicine and treatment of illness and disease. Midwives are educated in nursing and midwifery and the focus is on treating pregnancy and childbirth as physiologic processes. Both physicians and midwives are committed to the safety and wellbeing of both you and your baby. Physicians can perform surgery, midwives can not. Sometimes they work together to optimize your birth experience.
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Can I have a water birth?
We do not offer water birth, but extensively use the Jacuzzi tubs that are in all of labor rooms for your comfort during labor. We also use birth ball, aroma therapy, visualization, and massage techniques for pain relief.
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Do you accept insurance?
Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group accepts a wide variety of insurances and midwifery care is included in all the plans we accept.
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Can I get an epidural or pain medication during labor?
We encourage you to consider all options for medication during your labor and birth. We will work together to find what works best for you, including the use of pain medication or epidural anesthesia if desired.
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Who will be there for my birth?
We provide 24/7 midwifery coverage for your birth. One of the Certified Nurse Midwives from our practice will attend your birth. One of our physicians is also always available for emergencies.
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If I am considered high risk or need a cesarean section, will my midwife still be there?
Our commitment is to provide continued and seamless care for you. If one of our physicians is needed for your birth, your midwife will remain with you. If you develop a high risk condition during pregnancy, many times we offer collaborative care where you will see the physician and midwife for alternating prenatal visits.
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If I tear during my birth will my midwife be able to put stitches in?
Yes, the midwives are well trained to repair tears from childbirth.
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What’s the difference between a midwife and a doula?
A certified nurse midwife is a licensed medical professional and is able to provide care for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and a variety of women’s health care issues. A doula is trained to provide physical and emotional support, but does not provide medical care. Doulas are a great addition to your birth team.
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How do I know if I am a good candidate for midwifery care?
Most women are excellent candidates for midwifery care. We are happy to meet with you for a personal consultation to determine if we are a good fit for one another.
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How do I contact my midwife?
You will have regular visits in our office with the midwives. You can reach the midwife during regular phone hours. After hours you may call 949.829.5500 or we suggest using an app call OhMed, which is a HIPAA safe text message service which allows you to speak directly with your Midwife. In addition, we a secure texting app for your phone. This allows you reach us as needed for questions and concerns.
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Do you follow the same testing guidelines and schedule that an OB physician would?
Yes!
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Do you care for women who want a vaginal birth after a pervious c-section?
Yes, your individual history will determine whether you can deliver vaginally
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If I am considered high risk or if I need a c-section you will still be able to provide care through my pregnancy and be there for delivery?
If you are high risk, you will need to be seen by the of our OCWMG physicians. If you need a c-section there is an Doctor available in the hospital 24/7 in case of an emergency. Lisa Sherwood, CNM can help the physician assist with the C-section