Are Nurse Midwives Leaving Your Area?

RXtech · Jul 19, 2008

We had a wonderful birth center in the OKC area owned and operated by a group of midwives that shut down a few years ago. They had almost shut down once because of ridiculous malpractice rate increases, but eventually closed for good when the doctor who had served as their legally-required medical director retired, and no one else would replace him. It was really a shame, as they had provided excellent care to women from all around the state for many years. There are still CNM's available, but there is no longer a freestanding birth center in Oklahoma.

okchug · Jul 19, 2008

Are you referring to The Cottage? Yes that was sad.

And more recently-Dec 2006-the Birthwise center in Enid closed. It was a lovely place, and people traveled long distances to go there. The midwife in charge was an NP/CNM and had good backing from the OB. I believe they shut down due to insurance costs.

I have worked with the group of CNMs at University Hospital and LOVE it. That practice is very independent and provides OB & gyno. They are growing too, they just added another practitioner last year. BUT they are the only group of CNMs around-no other hospital employs them. I think they are missing out on a wonderful opportunity.

We have two "lay" midwifery practices providing home birth services.

RXtech · Jul 19, 2008

HI okchug! I was referring to Midwifery Health Practitioners that was located in the Midwest City area. I had my 2nd baby there in 1998 and it was really great experience. I also used one of the CPM's in town when I had my daughter.

Does the OU group attend VBACs?

okchug · Jul 20, 2008

YES! They will do VBACs.

cmonkey · Jul 20, 2008

I don't think there are any midwives here who have hospital privileges. All the ones I know do homebirths. None of the OBs will hire for their practices and the few mws who did work here a while back quit or were pushed out. So it's OB or nothing for most women, unless they have a DO or FP who'll take them on, or unless they want a homebirth. No freestanding centers. Sad, sad, sad.

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Jul 20, 2008

There are currently 3 Certified Nurse Midwives in our area, and one has been practicing with our local hospital for over 20 years. Now all of a sudden I don't understand this new downturn. Many patients prefer midwives. Both of my daughters had them with their births, and liked them better than the physicians, because they served their needs and requests better. The doctor is always in too much of a hurry, and wants to get done quick.

My reason for asking the question, is due to our hospital now upgrading to a trauma center, and I wonder if that might have anything to do with it.

okchug · Jul 21, 2008

I don't know if the upgrade has anything to do with it. Our CNMs are at the teaching hospital which has a large level 1 trauma center.

They are the only CNM / hospital group around and are very busy.