Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE DOES LINDA WORK?
Linda works at Barrington Ob Gyn, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. She delivers babies at Fairview Hospital, where the outstanding maternity staff is one of the best kept secrets in Berkshire County. DOES SHE WORK WITH A DOCTOR?
Yes, one of her obstetrician-gynecologist associates is always on call and readily available if needed. WHAT IS A NURSE-MIDWIFE?
A nurse-midwife is an expert in caring for healthy women throughout pregnancy and delivery as well as at other stages in her life. She is a health care professional originally educated as a nurse who has gone further to become educated as a midwife.
There are over 6000 practicing nurse-midwives in the US, and they deliver over 300,000 babies in the US annually. Find out more about nurse-midwives at www.mymidwife.org. WHY DO SOME WOMEN WANT A MIDWIFE?
Nurse-midwives offer the chance for mothers and families to have more control over the course of their pregnancy and delivery. They assist mothers in the normal, natural process of labor and delivery and help women realize the joy of bringing a life into the world.
Some women choose a nurse-midwife because they feel a greater empathy, an ease in discussing their health concerns with someone who is not a busy physician. They may also want a health care provider who will offer non-traditional options and who will be more health-oriented rather than problem-focused. HOW IS A CNM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER MIDWIVES?
CNMs have graduated from an educational program approved by the American College of Nurse-Midwives and have passed a national certifying exam in order to become eligible to use the credential "Certified Nurse-Midwife" (CNM) after their name. In many states this is the only type of midwife who is licensed and who may admit and treat women in hospitals. Some CNM’s may also deliver babies at birthing centers or in women’s homes.
You can count on the expertise of an ACNM certified midwife. Find out more about CNM’s at www.acnm.org HOW IS A MIDWIFE DIFFERENT FROM A DOCTOR?
Midwives’ perspective is different from physicians. They view pregnancy and birth (as well as other stages of women’s lives like menopause) as normal processes – not abnormal health conditions. They do not interfere in the normal birth process. They do not "hurry" the birth process.
Nurse-midwives’ education is shorter than a physician’s as they do not take care of medically high risk women (such as those with diabetes, hypertension,or a poor obstetrical history). They are the experts in "normal". They do not perform operative deliveries such as cesarean or forceps delivery, but will always work closely with their consulting physician so that women may receive these services when they are truly needed.
Often their cesarean rate will be lower than on obstetrician’s. This may be because they are more patient with slower labors or because they are less likely to induce labor (which has been shown to be associated with higher cesarean rates). It may also be a result of caring for healthy women rather than the physician’s higher risk patients. DOES LINDA ONLY CARE FOR WOMEN WHO WANT "NATURAL CHILDBIRTH"?
No, Linda feels that her role is to educate women about their pregnancy and the options available to them at the time of birth. She works closely with women to empower them to achieve their own personal goals.
Find out more about planning your birth at www.childbirthconnection.org. ARE MIDWIVES ONLY FOR PREGNANT WOMEN?
No, women may consult a nurse-midwife regarding any reproductive or gynecologic concerns – some common ones are: menstrual period irregularities, vaginal infections or STD’s, birth control or menopausal concerns. Planning for your pregnancy is an excellent reason for an appointment with Linda. WHAT ABOUT COSTS AND INSURANCE?
Linda’s services are covered by most insurances and by MassHealth and New York Medicaid. Costs are generally the same as the physicians for the same services. | 
