Frequently Asked Questions
what is a cpm?
CPMs are primary care providers and
serve as the clinical care manager for
their clients. They are trained in
comprehensive assessment.
management and stabilization of
common complications, and can
provide all care needed for normal
pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum/
newborn care.
serve as the clinical care manager for
their clients. They are trained in
comprehensive assessment.
management and stabilization of
common complications, and can
provide all care needed for normal
pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum/
newborn care.
HOw are you different from a doula?
A birth doula provides non-medical techniques and support during labor, such as breathing, massage, and helping you move into different body positions.
They can also provide emotional support and help you advocate for your birth preferences. No matter what type of birth you have, a doula will be there to help you feel safe and empowered. A doula will support you in your decision to use medications or have a “natural” or unmedicated birth.
In the event of a planned or unplanned C-section, a doula can help comfort you and give extra attention to help alleviate fears and anxieties. A doula can be a helpful part of your birthing team.
According to a 2017 Cochrane Review, many mothers report the need for less medical intervention and increased satisfaction with the birthing process when using a doula.
However, it’s important to note that a doula is not a substitute for a midwife or doctor since doulas do not have any medical training.
They can also provide emotional support and help you advocate for your birth preferences. No matter what type of birth you have, a doula will be there to help you feel safe and empowered. A doula will support you in your decision to use medications or have a “natural” or unmedicated birth.
In the event of a planned or unplanned C-section, a doula can help comfort you and give extra attention to help alleviate fears and anxieties. A doula can be a helpful part of your birthing team.
According to a 2017 Cochrane Review, many mothers report the need for less medical intervention and increased satisfaction with the birthing process when using a doula.
However, it’s important to note that a doula is not a substitute for a midwife or doctor since doulas do not have any medical training.
do waterbirths really help?
Many out of hospital birth settings,
including planned home births, utilize
water therapy for pain management.
There is extensive evidence on the
pain relief benefits of full submersion in water during labor and birth.
Birth tubs are speciallv designed to create
the water depth needed for
hydrotherapy while maintaining midwife
access to the birthing person to ensure
safety.
including planned home births, utilize
water therapy for pain management.
There is extensive evidence on the
pain relief benefits of full submersion in water during labor and birth.
Birth tubs are speciallv designed to create
the water depth needed for
hydrotherapy while maintaining midwife
access to the birthing person to ensure
safety.
Will insurance cover care with a CPM?
It depends. Just like with any care
provider, coverage varies by insurance
network, type of plan, and whether or
not the midwife is a registered provider
with that insurance carrier. In
Massachusetts, Medicaid and
MassHealth plans will reimburse for
out-of-hospital care if your midwife is a
registered provider.
provider, coverage varies by insurance
network, type of plan, and whether or
not the midwife is a registered provider
with that insurance carrier. In
Massachusetts, Medicaid and
MassHealth plans will reimburse for
out-of-hospital care if your midwife is a
registered provider.
HOw do I find a Certified professional midwife near me?
Use this website! We maintain a list of
our members and most share the
towns and counties they serve.
Member Midwives
our members and most share the
towns and counties they serve.
Member Midwives
What about genetic screening,
lab work and ultrasounds?
lab work and ultrasounds?
CPMs provide the standard care
recommended for low-risk pregnancies
and will either directly provide or work
with a laboratory partner to offer clients
the same laboratory based screening
as offered in hospital settings.
CPMs have collaborative
arrangements with a radiology practice
and will be able to issue a referral for
ultrasound should one be indicated
during your care.
Many CPMs also offer NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing).
recommended for low-risk pregnancies
and will either directly provide or work
with a laboratory partner to offer clients
the same laboratory based screening
as offered in hospital settings.
CPMs have collaborative
arrangements with a radiology practice
and will be able to issue a referral for
ultrasound should one be indicated
during your care.
Many CPMs also offer NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing).