Beyond the Delivery Room: What a Midwife Can Do for Women’s Health
Can you have an epidural if you choose a midwife? Do midwives deliver babies in hospitals? Can you see a midwife even when you aren’t pregnant?
On this episode of Health Matters with Medicine Center Pharmacy, pharmacist Brad White welcomed Jessica Beitler, a certified nurse-midwife with Aultman Medical Group Women’s Health Services, to answer these questions and explain how midwives support women through pregnancy, childbirth and other stages of life.
Her conversation highlighted a central theme: understanding your options helps you participate in your care.
What Is a Certified Nurse-Midwife?
A certified nurse-midwife, or CNM, is a registered nurse with advanced education and clinical training in midwifery. Jessica described her path from labor and delivery nursing to a master’s degree in midwifery and practice at Aultman Orrville Hospital.
Certified nurse-midwives provide prenatal care, support labor and delivery, prescribe medications and offer a range of women’s health services. Obstetricians are physicians who perform surgery and manage more complex pregnancies.
At Jessica’s practice, midwives and obstetricians work together. The level of physician involvement depends on each patient’s medical history, pregnancy risks and care needs.
Midwives Provide More Than Pregnancy Care
Jessica explained that midwifery services extend from puberty through menopause. Beyond pregnancy and childbirth, care can include:
Well-woman examinations.
Birth control counseling and prescriptions.
Pregnancy planning and preconception counseling.
Menopause care and other gynecological concerns.
You don’t have to be expecting a baby to ask whether a certified nurse-midwife could be a good fit for your healthcare needs.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Jessica described the initial prenatal visit as an opportunity to review your health history, identify risk factors and discuss what you hope for during pregnancy and birth.
At her practice, that visit typically lasts about an hour. A physical examination follows the discussion, and a pregnancy visit may include an ultrasound.
Shared decision-making is an important part of this process. Your provider explains recommendations, and you have the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and discuss your preferences.
Jessica also emphasized education throughout pregnancy. Regular appointments help patients understand what to expect, recognize changes that deserve attention and prepare physically and emotionally for childbirth.
Preparing for Pregnancy Starts Before Conception
Jessica compared labor to a marathon: preparation takes time.
A preconception appointment offers an opportunity to discuss nutrition, medications, medical conditions and other factors that may affect pregnancy.
Folic Acid and Prenatal Vitamins
During the program, Jessica recommended starting a prenatal vitamin containing at least 400 micrograms, or 0.4 milligrams, of folic acid daily before conception.
Folic acid helps prevent certain birth defects affecting a baby’s brain and spine. The CDC recommends 400 micrograms daily for women who can become pregnant, emphasizing the importance of getting enough before and during early pregnancy. Learn more from the CDC.
Medicine Center Pharmacy tip: Ask your pharmacist for help choosing a prenatal vitamin and reviewing your prescription medications, over-the-counter products and supplements with your pregnancy plans in mind.
Nutrition and Movement
Jessica encouraged balanced meals, fiber-rich carbohydrates, limiting excess sugar and maintaining regular physical activity. She discussed walking and yoga as practical ways to prepare for the physical demands of labor.
Talk with your prenatal provider about activities appropriate for your health and pregnancy. The goal is to build sustainable habits that support you throughout pregnancy.
Midwifery Care Includes Pain Relief and Medical Intervention
One of the biggest misconceptions Jessica addressed was that choosing a midwife means committing to an unmedicated birth.
Midwifery care can include pain medication, an epidural and induction when appropriate. Jessica explained that her team supports patients with different birth preferences and recommends intervention when needed.
She also clarified that her deliveries take place in the hospital.
During the episode, Jessica described water labor and birth as options at Aultman Orrville for patients without contraindications. If this interests you, ask the care team about your eligibility and current availability.
Your birth preferences are part of the conversation, and your care plan can adapt as your needs change.
What Happens If Pregnancy Complications Arise?
Jessica explained that conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes may lead to more frequent visits with an obstetrician and closer collaboration within the care team.
During labor and delivery at her practice, a physician is on call alongside the midwife. If a cesarean birth becomes necessary, the obstetrician performs the surgery, while the midwife may assist or provide emotional support.
Jessica also highlighted the role of labor and delivery nurses, anesthesia professionals, pediatric providers and other hospital staff. Each contributes to caring for the patient and baby.
Know When to Contact Your Pregnancy Care Team
Learning what is normal for your pregnancy includes knowing when to seek help.
Jessica highlighted symptoms that warrant prompt contact with your provider, including:
Vaginal bleeding or concerning cramping.
Changes in your baby’s usual movement pattern.
Severe headaches.
Changes in vision.
Pain in the upper right side of your abdomen.
She encouraged patients to speak up when something feels different, particularly when they notice a change in fetal movement.
Ask your provider whom to call during office hours and after hours, and where to go if you need an assessment.
Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Delivery
Jessica encouraged parents to devote time to feeding preparation during pregnancy, alongside planning for birth.
Prenatal visits can include questions about breastfeeding, pumping, ordering a breast pump and finding support after going home.
Resources she mentioned included local WIC offices for eligible families, La Leche League International, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthyChildren.org and community lactation professionals.
Before delivery, ask your care team how to reach breastfeeding support if you need it. Jessica explained that, in her practice, pediatric providers take over the baby’s ongoing care after birth.
Postpartum Mental Health Deserves Attention
Jessica’s discussion of postpartum care included depression and anxiety, along with the importance of checking in after delivery.
She described “baby blues” as a period of feeling tearful or unlike yourself. Persistent symptoms, difficulty caring for yourself or your baby, and overwhelming anxiety deserve attention.
The National Institute of Mental Health explains that baby blues are generally mild and short-lived during the first two weeks after birth. Symptoms that are severe or last longer may indicate postpartum depression and should be evaluated. Learn about perinatal depression.
Jessica said her practice aims to see patients about two weeks after birth to discuss how they are feeling and screen for mental health concerns. Contact your provider sooner if you need support.
For immediate emotional or crisis support in the United States, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available around the clock.
Is a Midwife Right for You?
Jessica suggested scheduling a consultation to learn about the practice and decide whether its approach fits your needs.
Questions to bring include:
How does my medical history affect my care options?
How do midwives and obstetricians work together?
What pain relief and birth options are available?
Who will care for me during labor and delivery?
What breastfeeding and postpartum support can I access?
An open conversation gives you an opportunity to understand the practice, discuss your priorities and make an informed choice.
Take the Next Step With Your Healthcare Team
Planning a pregnancy or exploring your care options? Learn more about Jessica Beitler and request an appointment through Aultman to discuss whether midwifery care fits your needs.
For help choosing a prenatal vitamin or reviewing medications and supplements, contact your local Medicine Center Pharmacy or visit medshoprx.com.
Find more conversations with local healthcare professionals on the Health Matters podcast and blog. Search for Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy in your favorite podcast app and subscribe.
Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.