Expert Care During Pregnancy
We want to get to know you, your family and your support network so that we can develop a plan that is tailored to you — your needs, priorities and desires.
While you will be delivering in the hospital, our aim is to make it feel as much like home as possible. We can dim the lights, and you can bring things from home such as a speaker, twinkle lights, a diffuser or your favorite robe. Many women want to move around during labor. To accommodate this, we use intermittent fetal monitoring, or if continuous monitoring is needed, we have wireless monitors that allow freedom of movement.
Although we do not have the capacity to offer water birth at this time, we do offer hydrotherapy with in-room showers. Our wireless fetal monitors are waterproof and allow for safe oversight of baby’s health throughout, whether you are laboring in your room or the shower.
After birth we will see you and discharge you from the hospital. Following discharge, we offer the option for a two-week postpartum check in with you to ensure you are transitioning home well.
What are Midwives and Midwifery Model of Care?
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNMs) are specialists in normal birth who are nationally certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and follow international standards for Midwifery. They can care for you through your pregnancy, labor and postpartum as well provide routine well-woman care from puberty to menopause. Should any complications arise, the midwives will consult our team of OB-GYN’s, maternal fetal medicine specialists and other specialists to provide the best and most comprehensive care for you and your baby.
The midwifery model focuses not only on the patient but also on the entire family unit. It focuses on mind, body and spirit as well as the belief that the body is created to birth. Midwives try to protect the birthing process as a normal and physiologic process. They limit interfering in the normal labor process unless medically necessary. Should a complication arise, you will continue to be a part of the conversation and the decision-making process.
How does the midwives program work at UAMS Health?
You will meet all of the UAMS Health midwives throughout your pregnancy journey. This is called a laborist model of prenatal and labor care and is done so that you know the midwife delivering your baby, regardless of when you go into labor. The UAMS Health midwives practice at the UAMS Medical Center in the Labor and Delivery Unit.
Can I use pain medication with a midwife?
Absolutely! We can care for you whether your plan is for an unmedicated birth, an epidural, or anything in between! Along with IV pain medications and an epidural, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also available for your use for pain management.
Do I have to be in bed during labor and delivery?
No, we actually encourage movement during all stages of labor. We have peanut balls, squat bars, birthing stools and birthing balls that we regularly utilize to help our patients while in labor. The biggest question we get asked is “do I have to birth on my back,” and the answer is absolutely not! You may birth in whatever position feels comfortable at the time. This will be an ongoing conversation throughout your prenatal care and labor.
Conveniently Located In Central Arkansas
Women’s Center
6119 Midtown Ave.
Midtown Medical Park
Little Rock, AR 72205
- Appointment Phone Number
- 501-526-1050
New and Returning Patients