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Ask A Midwife

Q. I am 6-8 weeks pregnant and as it is my first pregnancy I am facing a lot of insecurity. Would a midwife be the right person to talk to - at what time of the pregnancy would it be good to get in touch with one?

I'm coming from Europe where Midwifes often offer groups for Moms to be, where they get advice, support etc. Does something similar exist here? How could I find out about that, I'm living in Los Angeles?

Thanks a lot for your help.

Tania

A. I think talking with a midwife is a wonderful idea. Midwives provide lots of information and answer whatever questions you might have. If you find the right midwife, she/he can manage your total pregnancy and birth, in whatever setting you'd prefer. I am sure in your area there are lots of midwives to talk to. My recommendation is to check your phone book under midwives, and see what you can find. Also, check your local library for more informaiton.

There are several kinds of midwives, and lots in the LA Area, Certified Nurse Midwives frequently have hospital priviledges, and work in a variety of settings. In most states they function in similar ways to Nurse Practitioners.

Licenced midwives, or Certified Professional Midwives usually practice in home or birth centers.

It's normal to be anxious and scared with your first pregnancy, as you hear lots of different opinions. Please ask more questions, and do lots of reading.

Pat Sonnenstuhl is a semi-retired nurse midwife with over 30 years of experience in health care (first as an RN, then as an ARNP, CNM). She has experience with hospital nursing/midwifery and home and birth center midwifery.

Two areas of special interest to her are GBS and nutrition.

She is about empowerment, and helping folks find their own answers, what is right for them, not what is right for her. But, she wants you well informed.