How do you help
women choose the right
birth method for them?
Christiann Rosemurgy, CNM,
WHNP-BC
Aspirus Keweenaw and
Aspirus Ontonagon
The word midwife means
with
woman
. I strive to establish a
relationship that’s a partnership to
last through a woman’s lifespan.
It’s important for my patients to understand my role as a
midwife and the solid collaborative relationships I share
with my physicians. I value communication and try to use
tools such as a birth plan with my maternity patients.
Joint decision making and evidence-based practice are
hallmarks of the midwifery model of care that I use in the
everyday care of my patients.
Bonnie Hafeman, MD, Family
Medicine, Obstetrics
Aspirus Keweenaw
Some patients have a vision of
how they want to deliver—whether
it’s choosing to deliver naturally
or wanting that spiritual element
that you can incorporate with the
waterbirth option. So we’ll go through and talk about
what their birth style and labor preferences are, what
their previous experience was and what they’d like. Care
is really tailored to the patient throughout the entire
pregnancy.
Christopher Wells, DO
Aspirus Grand View Clinic–
Ironwood
906.932.1500
Pregnancy and childbirth are the
beginnings of a lifelong journey for
my patients. We start by discussing
what experiences they’ve had in
the past and what their goals might be. We can then use
this information to carefully craft a flexible plan to achieve
these goals and experiences in the safest way for mom
and baby.
aspirus.org
11
KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
We offer classes to help you
get ready for the arrival of your
new baby. See class listings at
tips on keeping you and your baby healthy:
w
Do not smoke or use alcohol or illegal drugs during
pregnancy. Ask your provider for help with quitting, if
necessary.
w
Talk to your provider about any medications or supplements
you are taking.
w
Limit coffee and other caffeinated drinks to one or two cups
a day.
w
Ask your provider how much weight you should gain.
For many women, 25 to 30 pounds is about right, but you
may need to gain more or less depending on your weight
before pregnancy. And don’t try to lose weight during
pregnancy.
w
Be sure to get enough folic acid. To help prevent certain birth
defects, pregnant women should get 400 to 800 micrograms
of folic acid a day. Ask your provider about taking a
multivitamin or prenatal vitamin to make sure you’re getting
enough of the proper nutrients.
w
If there is a cat in your home, have someone else change the
litter box. This can help prevent toxoplasmosis, a disease that
can seriously harm unborn babies.
w
Ask your provider whether there are vaccinations you may need.
