Ursula Miguel. CNM, MS

The highlight of most midwives’ daily work revolves around assisting women in childbirth. Most midwives chose their particular profession because they love to be around laboring women and to assist them in having an active, empowering and memorable birth experience.

Yet, there is much more to midwifery. As midwives, we also provide the whole spectrum of gynecological and well woman care. Just as during obstetric care, the hallmark of midwifery care consists of active participation by the woman in her care planning, consideration of her emotional and educational needs and adequate time during visits. It is not unusual to spend up to one hour with the midwife during an initial visit. The spectrum of care includes:

• Annual exams with pap smear, pelvic and breast exam, referral to mammography and laboratory studies as needed
• Contraceptive counseling on the many different methods of birth control choices, explanation of benefits and risks
• Screening and treatment: vaginal infections, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases, menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain and premenstrual syndrome
• Preconception and Maternity care
• Medications: Midwives have prescriptive privileges and will prescribe antibiotics, vitamins, birth control options and other medications as needed
• Pre-menopausal and Post-menopausal consultations
• Discussion of complimentary and alternative therapies: acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, aromatherapy as desired and deemed safe
• Education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management)

Midwives see women of all ages, from adolescence through menopause. In the words of our professional organization: “with women for a lifetime” (American College of Nurse Midwives, 2002: website: www.midwife.org.

Midwives provide culturally sensitive care with respect for women of all backgrounds.

Midwives are registered nurses who have completed advanced studies in women’s health care and midwifery. There are currently three midwives at Princeton Midwifery Care: Ursula, Peggy and Brynne. Princeton Midwifery Care features two conveniently located offices, in Lawrenceville and Plains-boro. The midwives as well as the six collaborative physicians attend births at the University Medical Center at Princeton and at Capital Health System, Mercer Campus. The midwives can schedule timely appointments and also offer evening and Saturday hours. Midwives specialize in the care of low-risk, healthy women. In case of obstetric and/or medical complications, they are backed up by the six physicians of Delaware Valley OB/GYN and Infertility Group.

For initial information on our practice philosophy and the hospitals we go to you can look at our website at:www.princetonmidwifery.com or call (609) 896-0777 ext. 228 or (609) 799-5010 ext.104 to schedule an appointment with us.