Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 - (Page 52)

moms choosing midwives bringing babies into the world the way nature intended When tiny Brooklyn Tidwell entered the world at St. Anthony Central Hospital last spring, two sets of loving hands were waiting to welcome her. One belonged to her father, Joe, the other to certified nurse-midwife Christie Bryant. Along with mom Jocelyn—who played no small role in the event—they celebrated the healthy newborn’s birth and the care partnership that brought her here safely and naturally. Nurse-midwives (CNMs) delivered three of the Tidwells’ five children; Bryant had the honor twice. And it is an honor, she says. “To see the tears in Joe’s eyes as he ‘caught’ little Brooklyn was one of those sacred times,” she says. by carla carwile midwives defined “A certified nurse-midwife [CNM] combines the disciplines of nursing and midwifery to support families during pregnancy and delivery,” explains Barbara Hughes, CNM, M.S., MBA, FACNM, director of women’s services at St. Anthony Central Hospital. “She or he is a registered nurse who has graduated from a nurse-midwifery education program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives [ACNM] and has passed the ACNM’s national certification examination. “Women who are basically in good health and experiencing a healthy pregnancy are perfect candidates for care and delivery by a certified nurse-midwife,” Hughes says. “It’s an excellent option for those who want more time, attention and support during their pregnancy and labor/ delivery—we offer that special touch.” Families choosing certified nurse-midwives want to play an active role in decisions related to the baby’s birth, says Hughes, a CNM for 25 years. “It’s very empowering to a woman to have her say-so during this time, whether it’s about pain management or delivery position. If Mom wants grandparents and siblings there, or if Dad wants to help deliver the baby, we generally can make that happen. “The bottom line is always safety—for both mom and baby. If a complication arises, we work closely with OB/GYNs to ensure a healthy outcome. And our new nurse-midwifery program at St. Anthony Central Hospital ensures the technological excellence is there, as well. “Many families see this as having the best of both worlds,” Hughes says. “like royalty ” New mom Jocelyn Tidwell takes that positive assessment to an even higher level. “We were treated like royalty,” she says. Prenatal visits to the CNM office “were wonderful,” Tidwell says. 52 vim & vigor • winte r 2 008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 Contents Friendly Faces For Your Health 'Tis the Season to be Safe Eat Your Veggies Joint Effort Fresh Beginnings Decades of Opportunity Keeping Score Your Big Give Roll Up Your Sleeve Tidings of Comfort and Health Blueprint for Safety The Smoke-Free Mom-to-Be Childbirth Trends Moms Choosing Midwives Community Sections Dollars & Sense Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

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