Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ - Questions and Answers about Certified Nurse Midwife

Q. What if complications arise?
A. Your nurse-midwife can efficiently handle most complications that could arise during pregnancy and birth. When problems occur during pregnancy we may either consult with the physicians, or co-manage your care with them while remaining your primary caregiver. In the event of severe complications, it may be necessary to transfer care to the physicians. When complications occur during labor, the nurse-midwife will consult the physician “on call”.

Q. What if I need a C-section?
A. If a C-section becomes necessary, one of the physicians will be available to perform the surgery.

Q. Who will deliver my baby?
A. Kathe or Deb will deliver your baby and care for you after birth. A physician will always be available if needed for any medical reason.

Q. Am I allowed to have pain medicine or an epidural if I have a midwife?
A. Yes, you can request pain medication or an epidural as needed. We will provide you with information about all of your options, including comfort measures such as walking, warmth, massage, visualization, hypnosis and hydrotherapy. Many women come to us for care because they want to avoid medication use and know that midwifery offers alternatives.

Q. Are the obstetrical fees higher or lower for nurse-midwifery services?
A. No, because we are a group practice we have one universal fee for pregnancy and birth care. There are no additional charges for midwifery labor support or for having physician back-up available at all times. Overall, your bill may be lower because typically midwife births involve fewer interventions such as medications, vacuum assisted birth or C-sections.

Q. Will my insurance cover nurse-midwifery services?
A. Most private insurance carriers, Medicare, Medicaid and managed care programs cover nurse-midwifery care. The Iowa insurance code requires that all Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners be paid for their services.

Q. Am I a candidate for midwifery care?
A. Midwifery care is best for women who anticipate an uncomplicated pregnancy, those who want a low intervention approach to labor and birth, those who appreciate a wellness approach to health care, those who desire a relationship with their caregiver, personal support during labor, or women who prefer to see one provider for prenatal, birth and postpartum care. Midwives are experts on normal birth, so women with existing medical problems (that may affect their pregnancy) or expected complications should seek medical care from our physicians.