Midwifery Care
Pregnancy is an exciting journey, and finding the right healthcare provider can make all the difference. Many families are choosing midwives for their supportive, personalized approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. But what exactly does a midwife do, and is midwifery care right for you?
In this month’s newsletter, we’ll take a closer look at how midwives support families, the benefits of midwifery care, and how to decide whether a midwife is right for you.
What is a Midwife?
Midwives are healthcare professionals who specialize in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. They provide expert care while supporting your birth choices, making sure you and your baby stay healthy. They are trained to monitor your health and your baby’s development, offer guidance, support natural childbirth, assist with pain relief, and provide help with breastfeeding and newborn care after birth.
Some midwives also provide well-woman care from the teenage years through menopause. This includes annual physical exams, cancer screenings, STI screening, blood work, and contraceptive counseling and services.
Why Choose a Midwife?
Many families love working with midwives because they offer a more personal, hands-on approach to pregnancy, birth, and women’s health care. Here’s why midwifery care might be a great fit for you:
• Get the Attention You Deserve – Midwives take the time to really get to know you. Appointments are longer, so you can ask questions, talk through concerns, and feel heard.
Parent Newsletter March 2025
• A Natural Approach to Birth – If you’re hoping for a low-intervention birth, midwives focus on supporting your body’s natural process while still offering medical options if needed.
• Consistent Care – You’ll likely see the same midwife or small team throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, which helps build trust and comfort.
• Fewer Medical Interventions – Studies show midwife-supported births have lower rates of inductions, epidurals, and C-sections while still keeping safety the top priority.
• Birth on Your Terms – Want to give birth in a hospital? A birth center? At home? Midwives support a range of options so you can choose what feels right for you.
• You’re in Control – Midwives believe in shared decision-making, meaning you’re
in control of your birth plan. They listen to your wishes and help you make informed choices.
• Support After Baby Arrives – Midwives don’t just leave after birth. They help with breastfeeding, recovery, and adjusting to life with a newborn.
• Respect for Your Values – Whether it’s cultural traditions or personal birth preferences, midwives honor and respect your choices.
• A Reassuring Presence – Many families say their midwife helped them feel more confident, calm, and supported throughout the whole journey.
• Safe and Skilled Care – Midwives are trained professionals who follow medical guidelines and work with doctors if needed so you and your baby stay safe.
Midwifery care is all about personal, supportive, and expert care—helping you feel confident every step of the way.
Will A Midwife Accept My Insurance?
Many midwives accept health insurance, including OHP, but coverage depends on your plan and the type of midwife you choose. Most midwives who are certified (like Certified Nurse Midwives or Certified Professional Midwives) work with many insurance companies. However, it’s important to check directly with the midwife’s office to confirm coverage. If your insurance doesn’t cover midwifery care, some midwives offer payment plans or sliding scale fees to help make care more affordable.
How do I find a Midwife?
Here is a list of local midwifery practices in Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties.
Hospital
• Samaritan Nurse Midwives (Corvallis only)
Local Birth Centers
• Corvallis Birth Center
• Growing Family Birth Center (Lebanon)
• Nova Vida Birth Center (Otis)
Homebirth
• MidValley Birthing Services
• Radiant Midwifery Care
• Willamette Birth
To find a midwife in Oregon, you can try several options:
1. Online Directories:
o The Oregon Association of Birth Centers (OABC) has a directory of birth centers in Oregon.
o The Oregon Midwifery Council (OMC) has a directory of licensed midwives in Oregon. You can visit their website to search for midwives by location or type of care they provide.
o The American College of NurseMidwives (ACNM) has a directory
where you can search for certified nurse midwives (CNMs) in your area.
2. Referrals:
o Ask your primary care doctor, OB/ GYN, or other healthcare providers for recommendations.
o You can also ask friends, family, or online parent groups for suggestions.
3. Birth Centers and Hospitals:
o Many birth centers in Oregon have midwives on staff. Contact local birth centers to inquire about midwifery services and check if they accept your insurance.
o Some hospitals offer midwifery care, so you can reach out to nearby hospitals to ask about their midwifery options.
4. Local Support Groups or Doula Networks:
o Local doulas and childbirth educators often work closely with midwives and may be able to connect you with trusted midwives in the area.
What should I ask a midwife before choosing them?
When meeting with a midwife, consider asking questions about their experience, the type of care they provide, their approach to pain relief, their policies on medical interventions, and how they handle emergencies. It’s important to find someone who aligns with your birth plan and values.
These questions can help you better understand what midwifery care entails and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Is Midwifery Care Right for You?
Midwifery care is an excellent option for many expecting parents, particularly those seeking a more personalized and holistic birth experience. Whether you’re looking for a natural birth, a more personalized approach to care, or simply someone who will listen and respect your choices, a midwife can be a wonderful option.
Every pregnancy and birth is a unique experience, and having the right support can make all the difference. If midwifery care sounds like the right fit for you, take the next step—reach out to a local midwife or birth center to learn more. Your journey into parenthood should be filled with confidence, comfort, and care, and midwives are here to support you every step of the way.
Corvallis Birth Center Announcement
MidValley Birthing Services is excited to announce that it is taking over the Corvallis Birth Center (formerly Corvallis Birth and Wellness Center) starting March 1st. This change ensures that families in the community will continue to have access to high-quality midwifery care.
Susan Heinz, CNM, the current owner, is retiring from birth work to focus on gynecology care at her new practice. The birth center will now be owned by experienced midwives Julia Bailey, CPM, LDM, IBCLC, and Elizabeth Baer, CPM, LDM, from MidValley Birthing Services. Together they bring years of experience and dedication to providing compassionate, personalized maternity care.
MidValley Birthing Services will continue to offer the full spectrum of care currently available at the birth center, including prenatal care, birth center birth, waterbirth, postpartum care, and lactation support. Home birth will also
be an option for families. The center remains committed to providing a welcoming, familycentered environment for those seeking an alternative to hospital births.
For more information about MidValley Birthing Services and the Corvallis Birth Center, please visit www.midvalleybirthingservices.com or call 541-928-1002.
Are you expecting?
Let Pollywog connect you to a local birth, breastfeeding or baby class! Call us at 541-917-4884 or visit www.pollywogfamily.org
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