About Midwives...
What is a Midwife?
A midwife is someone who is experienced in caring for low-risk women during pregnancy and birth. Many midwives are also primary care providers and can take care of women across the lifespan. Statistics show that having a trained midwife is not only a safe option, but for most women a very positive and memorable experience.
Types of Midwives
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses (RNs) who then continue in a graduate program to specialize in midwifery. They are eligible for licensure in Hawaii, can bill most insurance plans for services, prescribe medication and order labs, and may legally practice in homebirth or hospital settings. CNMs provide prenatal, labor/delivery, postpartum, family planning, gynecology and well-woman care. Some are trained to do ultrasound and assist in cesareans. Unfortunately, on Oahu there are currently no CNMs that attend homebirths.
Direct-Entry Midwives (DEMs) are not trained as nurses before becoming midwives and have taken various paths to have learned their trade. Some are licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) whom have attended a 4 year naturopathic medical program after completing an undergraduate degree and specialize in pregnancy and birth. Others learn by apprenticeship, in vocational programs, or in specialized midwifery schools. In Hawaii, DEMS are not eligible for licensure (although NDs are licensed as naturopathic physicians). However, DEMs are still allowed to legally practice under state law. Unfortunately because of their lack of state license DEMs are typically unable to bill insurance for their service in Hawaii. DEMs are also sometimes referred to as traditional midwives. They provide prenatal, labor/delivery in the home setting, postpartum care. Some DEMs may provide well-woman care also.
Are Midwives on Oahu Expensive?
Midwifery fees for pregnancy and birth vary but most midwives are wiling to work with families regarding payment in order to help them achieve the pregnancy and birth they desire. CNM fees are typically covered the same way care with an OB/GYN would be. If you are uninsured or think you can not afford midwifery care, PLEASE make an appointment to discuss this with a midwife-there is almost always a way it can be worked out for someone who truly wants care!
A midwife is someone who is experienced in caring for low-risk women during pregnancy and birth. Many midwives are also primary care providers and can take care of women across the lifespan. Statistics show that having a trained midwife is not only a safe option, but for most women a very positive and memorable experience.
Types of Midwives
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses (RNs) who then continue in a graduate program to specialize in midwifery. They are eligible for licensure in Hawaii, can bill most insurance plans for services, prescribe medication and order labs, and may legally practice in homebirth or hospital settings. CNMs provide prenatal, labor/delivery, postpartum, family planning, gynecology and well-woman care. Some are trained to do ultrasound and assist in cesareans. Unfortunately, on Oahu there are currently no CNMs that attend homebirths.
Direct-Entry Midwives (DEMs) are not trained as nurses before becoming midwives and have taken various paths to have learned their trade. Some are licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) whom have attended a 4 year naturopathic medical program after completing an undergraduate degree and specialize in pregnancy and birth. Others learn by apprenticeship, in vocational programs, or in specialized midwifery schools. In Hawaii, DEMS are not eligible for licensure (although NDs are licensed as naturopathic physicians). However, DEMs are still allowed to legally practice under state law. Unfortunately because of their lack of state license DEMs are typically unable to bill insurance for their service in Hawaii. DEMs are also sometimes referred to as traditional midwives. They provide prenatal, labor/delivery in the home setting, postpartum care. Some DEMs may provide well-woman care also.
Are Midwives on Oahu Expensive?
Midwifery fees for pregnancy and birth vary but most midwives are wiling to work with families regarding payment in order to help them achieve the pregnancy and birth they desire. CNM fees are typically covered the same way care with an OB/GYN would be. If you are uninsured or think you can not afford midwifery care, PLEASE make an appointment to discuss this with a midwife-there is almost always a way it can be worked out for someone who truly wants care!
