Hospital Merger Delivers Midwife Services for Edward Communities

As a result of the merger between Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, midwife services are available for moms-to-be in the communities served by Edward.  Midwifery and Women’s Health of Elmhurst Clinic’s midwife practice offers care to low-risk women and provides deliveries at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital.

“Midwives are advanced practice nurses (APNs) who are nationally certified and licensed by their state.  They are specialists in low-risk pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and women’s health,” says Shirley Moore, CNM, MSN, APN, certified nurse midwife, Elmhurst Clinic.  “Midwives support women’s choices, cultural preferences and unique needs while working with a mutual understanding and respect to deliver the care all women deserve.  Midwifery care supports the patient in having a natural, personalized experience with alternative comfort measures, such as hydrotherapy and warm water immersion for labor and birth.”

Moore stresses the health of the mother and baby are of the utmost importance.  In the event complications arise, midwives work with obstetricians/gynecologists and medical staff to ensure mother and baby are safe and healthy throughout the delivery process.

Elmhurst Clinic midwife services include:

--Annual exams: Pap smear, HPV testing, infection testing/treatment

--Breast examination/mammography referral

--Preconception counseling and pregnancy planning

--Comprehensive prenatal care

--Testing, ultrasound and childbirth preparation, including alternative medicine options and referral

--Birth care: Continuous support during active labor

--Breastfeeding support

--Family planning

--Menopausal care

Most women are good candidates for midwifery.  Those who have diabetes, heart conditions, are prone to seizures or have other high-risk factors are discouraged from pursuing midwifery as an option during pregnancy and for delivery.

Elmhurst Clinic midwives see patients at Midwifery and Women’s Health of Elmhurst Clinic offices at 1200 S. York St. in Elmhurst, 303 W. Lake St. in Addison and 1100 Lake St. in Oak Park.  The midwives deliver babies at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. in Elmhurst.

For more information, visit http://www.elmhurstclinic.org/specialties/midwifery or www.emhc.org/services/family-birthing-center, or call (331) 221-9009.