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Empowering Women to Birth Naturally
By Louise Bastarache, CNM, NP, MS
Childbirth is not a disease. It is the culmination of ten months of a baby’s growth in the womb (gestational age starts with the first day of the last menstrual cycle, it is not from the date of conception). Labor is a normal, healthy, human process for a woman and her baby. Natural childbirth gives the mother control of her body in labor, optimum decision making during labor, and, so important, uninterrupted bonding with her child immediately after delivery. Embrace the process….take control of your birth!
Wareham Nurse Midwives PC is an independent advanced nurse practice. The model of nursing practice differs from medicine. It is not disease oriented; it is holistic. It is oriented to maximize the care given to the client for prevention as well as for treatment of a health concern.The approach of the midwife is holistic. This means that the nurse midwife develops a relationship with the client, getting to know her and her needs, including the physical, social, and emotional impacts on her life.
A certified nurse-midwife is educated in the two disciplines of nursing and midwifery. To become certified, a nurse must complete a course in an accredited education program, and pass a rigorous national examination. The state in which the nurse midwife chooses to practice also mandates requirements for licensure as an RN and as an advanced practice nurse. The state of Massachusetts requires a relationship based on written protocols with a physician for consultation and referral. Wareham Nurse Midwives has a consulting relationship with Triad OB/GYN in Wareham. The physicians are available for 24 hour back-up services in case of an emergency situation requiring surgery or medical expertise.
One major focus for the nurse-midwife in the Wareham practice is pregnant women. Prenatal care is very important for the health and well being of the mother and baby. The approach that the nurse midwife has in fostering a relationship with the pregnant family greatly impacts on the outcome of the pregnancy. The professional trust and the education about nutrition, exercise, and body changes as the many months of prenatal care unfold are key to the successful pregnancy outcome.
Normal vaginal births are the midwife’s expertise and goal for her client. The midwife practice here encourages a very low intervention approach to labor and birth. This means letting labor “happen” on its own and watching without interference unless there is a problem. The mother and her partner discuss with the midwife a Birth Plan at the 36th week prenatal visit. We write down the kind of atmosphere the mother wants, her desires for coping with the pain of childbirth and how she would like to bond with her baby after the birth. She can choose her birth position and how she manages her discomfort. Many laboring women bring music, use the Jacuzzi tub, and use other things like positions on the birth ball for comfort. There are many children that also participate in our births.
The nurse-midwife stays with the laboring mother throughout her active labor, pushing and delivery. This labor support provides physical, emotional, and professional guidance for a positive birth outcome. Other aspects that are important to families are the “norm” at Tobey Hospital like rooming in with your baby and family visiting. Breastfeeding is definitely encouraged and supported.
Wareham Nurse Midwives maintains a strong commitment to women and their families. We offer professional, personal, and family oriented care in the office and in the hospital. Nurse midwives are the specialists of normal childbirth. Different from many in-hospital midwifery practices, I do not offer epidural anesthesia. I personally encourage normal birth because it is the healthiest for baby and mother. The practice is more like a Birth Center practice than a hospital practice in our country today. The approach is family centered, allowing for individual requests and encouraging bonding with the newborn. Midwives have been practicing at Tobey Hospital for almost 20 years and have had a C-section rate between 6-8%.
MIDWIFERY…changing the world, one baby at a time.
Louise Bastarache, CNM, NP, MS
Wareham Nurse Midwives…
Empowering Women to Birth NATURALLY
Wareham Nurse Midwives, PC
332 Main Street
Wareham, MA
If you would like to make an appointment or for more information, please call (508)295-3088.
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