Jill Kocher, Certified Nurse Midwife
To continue in the spirit of National Midwifery Week, HealthNet midwife Jill Kocher wrote today’s blog post to set the record straight about nurse-midwives. There are many myths surrounding the practice of midwifery, so do you know the facts? Check out the truth about midwives below!
Myth #1: Midwives only do home births.
Midwives deliver babies at home, birth centers, and the hospital. The nurse-midwives at HealthNet currently only deliver babies at Methodist Hospital. As the largest midwifery practice in the state of Indiana, we have 24 certified nurse-midwives on staff ready to help!
Myth #2: If you use a midwife, you aren’t allowed any pain medication.
Some people ask if we allow pain medication while a patient is in labor. The answer is Yes! We are there to support women in the way that they want to be supported, whether that is with an Epidural, IV pain medication, or water birth. Your birth preferences are up to you!
Myth #3: Midwives don’t have a formal education.
FALSE! There are a few different ways that a midwife can become certified. I went Indiana Wesleyan University for four years and obtained my bachelors in nursing degree. I then took an exam to become a registered nurse. I knew that I wanted to become a midwife, so my next step was completing my master’s degree at the University of Indianapolis, which took 2 1/2 years. After graduating I took another exam through the American College of Nurse Midwives to become a Certified Nurse Midwife.
Myth #4: You have to pay for a midwife out of pocket because your insurance won’t cover it.
Most insurance companies reimburse nurse-midwives, so your care is covered. I would encourage anyone thinking about midwifery care to call one of our offices to talk with our financial support staff.
Myth #5: Midwives don’t do surgery, so if you have to have a C-section your midwife will leave.
Some people wonder what happens if they need a cesarean section, since midwives do not do surgery. We have that covered at HealthNet! When you sign up for care with us you get midwives and physicians. We work as a team to help women receive the type of care they desire.
HealthNet midwives and OB/GYN providers are available at all HealthNet locations. For more information on HealthNet midwives, please click here or call a location near you.
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