Many women want care that respects their instincts. And sometimes you just want someone who will slow down and talk things through, whether it’s a yearly exam, birth control, planning for pregnancy, or support through pregnancy and birth.
At Kootenai Clinic OB/GYN, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) see patients in our outpatient clinics and are credentialed to deliver at Kootenai Health hospital, working in close partnership with OB/GYN physicians during labor and delivery. Together, they care for women across their lifespan—from routine gynecologic care to pregnancy, birth, family planning and menopause.
Our midwives work as a collaborative team. You’ll rotate midwives during your prenatal care visits so by the time the big day arrives, there’s someone you already know in the room, and someone who already knows you. Longer appointment times give you space to ask questions and to learn about what’s happening in your body so you can make decisions that feel right for you.
Your midwife stays throughout labor, keeping a close watch on you and your baby while explaining what’s happening as things progress. To help make labor more manageable, they will often coach breathing exercises and help you find different positions, movement or time in a tub. Midwives often spend long stretches at the bedside, offering reassurance, answering questions, and showing partners how to support you in the moment. You’ll get hands-on guidance as labor intensifies, whether your birth includes induction, medication or a plan to labor naturally.
Because the Kootenai Health Family Birth Center is at the hospital, additional support is already here if labor takes an unexpected turn or your baby needs extra care after delivery. You have immediate access to advanced fetal monitoring, surgical teams, anesthesia, and Level III NICU neonatologists so you and your baby can receive the care you need without being transferred to another hospital.
When Amanda and her husband were expecting their first baby, they wanted a natural birth experience but still had questions about what could happen during labor. Through the midwifery program at Kootenai Health, they found the balance they were looking for—relationship-based care with the reassurance of a full hospital team nearby. Even when her birth didn’t go exactly as planned, Amanda felt supported by the midwives every step of the way.
When choosing a healthcare provider, women often have many questions. We are here to guide you to the decision that best suits your needs. Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about midwifery. You may also call our office to learn more about the services we offer.
A CNM is a licensed healthcare practitioner who is highly educated in two distinct disciplines: advanced practice nursing and midwifery. CNMs are required to undergo rigorous educational training and achieve certification by the American College of Nurse Midwives and a license to practice in their state. All Kootenai Clinic CNMs hold master’s or higher degrees in nurse-midwifery and are licensed as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
Throughout history, the word midwife has been used to describe women who are “with women” at birth. CNMs focus on the physical, emotional, and social needs of both the mother and family. They view birth as a natural process that often requires no intervention. However, in some situations, the use of technology may be necessary to ensure a safe outcome for mother and baby. Our CMNs are comfortable utilizing these technologies when appropriate and maintain an excellent working relationship with physicians should their expertise be required.
