At some Sutter hospitals, you have the option to choose a certified nurse-midwife. Certified nurse-midwives attend births and provide comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care. They also provide basic well-woman and family planning care at some sites.
Certified nurse-midwives have completed both nursing school and an advanced training graduate degree in low-risk pregnancy and childbirth care. They are committed to helping you have the traditional or alternative pregnancy, birth and healthcare experiences you want while prioritizing the health and safety of you and your baby.
They also maintain a close, positive working relationship with obstetrics colleagues to provide comprehensive and individualized care. Should a problem develop during childbirth, the nurse-midwife can seamlessly bring in your doctor at any point.
In addition to supporting you throughout your pregnancy, a certified nurse-midwife is also licensed to provide:
- Primary care, including medication prescriptions.
- Annual gynecologic health maintenance exams.
- All types of birth control.
- Advice on fertility, menopause or any other nonurgent gynecological concerns.
Certified nurse-midwives adhere to the rigorous Philosophy of Care and the Hallmarks of Midwifery standards set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Several sites in the Sutter Health network offer robust midwifery programs that offer care for women before, during and after pregnancy:
- Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
- CPMC Mission Bernal Women’s Clinic
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation (Fremont and Santa Cruz)
- Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
- Sutter Davis Hospital
- Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center, Santa Cruz
- Sutter Medical Foundation (Davis and Yuba City)
- Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
For high risk pregnancies, midwives collaborate with and refer to physician colleagues as appropriate, depending on your unique needs. Learn more about our high-risk pregnancy services.
