Midwife

What is a midwife?

A midwife is a healthcare provider who cares for you during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Your midwife specializes in supporting healthy pregnancies and low-intervention childbirth while honoring your preferences and needs. 

At The Birth Center of New Jersey, you partner with your midwife and take charge of your care. Your midwife empowers you through education and guidance, helping you make informed choices about your reproductive health and birth experience. 

How is a midwife different from an OB/GYN or doula?

Knowing how these professionals differ helps you make informed choices about your care:

OB/GYN

An OB/GYN is a physician with surgical training who cares for all pregnancies, particularly those with complications or requiring cesarean (C-section) delivery. 

The Birth Center of New Jersey collaborates with Artemis OB/GYN through The Wellness Collective if you need specialized care during pregnancy or birth. You can transfer seamlessly to hospital care without leaving the circle of compassionate care you’ve built with your midwifery team.

Doula

A doula is a nonmedical birth companion who provides emotional support, comfort measures, and advocacy during labor. Unlike midwives, doulas can’t perform medical tasks like exams or administer medication. You can add a doula to your birth team alongside your midwife or OB/GYN.

With midwives on staff, support for doulas on your birth team, and access to OB/GYN care, The Birth Center of New Jersey provides complete care for all types of pregnancies and deliveries.

What does a midwife do?

Your midwife supports you medically and emotionally through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Their responsibilities include:

• Performing regular checkups to monitor your health and your baby’s development
• Providing education about nutrition, exercise, and preparing for labor
• Remaining by your side during labor with continuous care and monitoring
• Evaluating your progress during birth with your permission
• Helping your body birth naturally while honoring what matters to you
• Providing exceptional postpartum care
• Offering guidance on breastfeeding, newborn care, and your healing

At The Birth Center of New Jersey, this comprehensive support centers on your needs and your choices, so you feel confident and prepared throughout your experience.

Choosing a midwife gives you personalized, continuous care that focuses on your health, preferences, and active role in decision-making. If you’re ready to add an experienced midwife to your prenatal care, call The Birth Center of New Jersey or schedule an appointment online to learn more.