Pregnancy is a miraculous and wonderful journey. It is a time filled with so much hope and at times, many questions. It is important to find the right professionals to guide you through this amazing experience.
Professionals who provide maternity care include Family Medicine physicians, Obstetric and Gynecology physicians (OB/GYN) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM).
OB/GYNs are physicians who specialize in providing full scope medical care, specifically for women. They manage low and high risk pregnancies. In addition, OB/GYNs are also surgeons who can perform vacuum and cesarean deliveries, if necessary.
Family Medicine physicians are trained in general family medicine and have some additional training in providing maternity care. Usually they do not perform cesarean deliveries.
Certified Nurse Midwives are registered nurses who have completed additional graduate training and passed a national certification examination. CNMs provide holistic and family-centered approach to maternity care. They focus on low risk normal pregnancies and work with doctors to manage any complications that may arise.
Whether you choose a physician or midwife, at Woodland Healthcare… the option is yours. We offer collaborative and flexible birthing options through all three types of practitioners. With physicians and midwives working side by side, it’s all about what’s best for you and your baby.
We are devoted to providing individualized, empowering and nurturing maternity care. It is our goal to help you create the maternity experience you are looking for as you welcome your little one into the world.
One of the most important things to keep in mind as you choose your providers is how you and your provider communicate. As the foundation of your relationship, communication should be open and comfortable. Decisions should be made together and your questions should be answered. You should receive hands-on, individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care. You should feel informed and that you have choices.
The same applies to where you deliver your baby. The environment should be warm, safe and supportive. You should also expect to be informed on what’s happening and feel that your wishes are heard.
The Family Birth Center at Woodland Healthcare is dedicated to providing you and your baby with the best start possible. We encourage immediate bonding by practicing Skin-to-Skin couplet care and Lactation Consultants are available to assist with all feeding aspects for your baby.
We focus on the entire family and not just the mother and child. Full range labor comforts include spacious rooms, Jacuzzi tubs for water labor, birthing balls and patient controlled epidurals and sleeping arrangements are available for your support person.
Many parents are very nervous about the actual birth experience. You can minimize this by becoming educated on what to expect. Taking classes and joining support groups will help you be better prepared. Creating a birth plan is also a great way to begin the discussion with your provider about your wishes and worries.
There are many classes and support groups offered at Woodland Healthcare. These include birth classes for first time and experienced parents, grandparents, big sisters and big brothers. We even have classes on parenting, pediatric CPR and first aid. Free Family Birth Center tours are also available. For a complete listing of childbirth education classes visit our classes and events section of the web site. To schedule a Family Birth Center tour, call 530.669.5540.
At times, your medical insurance limits your choices of maternity care providers. But often, you have many choices and special accommodations can be made with your insurance. Woodland Healthcare accepts most insurance plans including Medi-Cal and Partnership. If you do not have insurance, we can help you too. To schedule an appointment with a
Woodland Healthcare OB/GYN or Certified Nurse Midwife, please call 530.668.2600.
The journey of welcoming a new member to your family should be everything you could wish for and more – partner with Woodland Healthcare to make it happen.
