Best Midwives in Springfield

Introduction to Midwifery in Springfield

Definition of Midwifery

Midwifery is a healthcare profession that focuses on providing comprehensive care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Midwives in Springfield offer a range of services including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postnatal care.

The role of midwives is significant in promoting the health and well-being of mothers and newborns. They provide personalized care, emphasize natural childbirth practices, and offer emotional support throughout the pregnancy journey.

Overview of Midwifery in Springfield

Springfield, Missouri, offers a variety of midwifery options for expectant mothers. Based on the data provided, there are at least 9 practicing midwives in the area, indicating a good availability of midwifery services.

Local midwifery practices in Springfield are characterized by a mix of Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPM). These professionals offer a range of care options, including hospital-based and potentially home birth services, catering to diverse preferences of expectant mothers in the community.

Choosing a Midwife in Springfield

Factors to Consider

Qualifications and Certifications

• Review types of midwifery credentials (CNM, CPM)
• Importance of board certifications

Experience and Specializations

• Years of practice in midwifery
• Additional areas of expertise (e.g., high-risk pregnancies)

Hospital Affiliations

• Importance of hospital relationships
• Example: Marina Podolskiy's affiliation with Mercy Hospital Springfield

Patient Reviews and Ratings

• Significance of star ratings (e.g., 5-star ratings for Linda Punch and Marina Podolskiy)
• Considering the number of reviews

Language and Communication

• Importance of clear communication
• Availability of multilingual midwives (e.g., Marina Podolskiy's language skills)

Resources for Finding Midwives in Springfield

Online Directories and Review Platforms

• Utilizing healthgrades.com for detailed provider information
• Other reputable healthcare review websites

Local Healthcare Networks

• Contacting hospitals like Mercy Hospital Springfield for midwife recommendations
• Seeking referrals from OB/GYN practices

Professional Midwifery Associations

• Consulting Missouri Midwives Association for local practitioners
• Utilizing national midwifery organization directories

Top-Rated Midwives in Springfield

Linda Punch, CNM

Overview

• 5-star rating on Healthgrades
• 2 patient reviews

Contact Information

• Phone: (417) 820-3890
• Healthgrades profile available for more details

Marina Podolskiy, MSN

Qualifications

• 5-star rating on Healthgrades
• 2 patient reviews
• Multiple specialties: Midwifery, Obstetrics & Gynecologic Nursing, Women's Health Nursing

Education and Affiliations

• University of Cincinnati - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
• Chamberlain College of Nursing (2010)
• Affiliated with Mercy Hospital Springfield

Languages

• English
• Romanian
• Russian
• Ukrainian

Other Notable Midwives

Carla Lantz, CNM

• Contact: (417) 831-0150
• Certified Nurse Midwife

Amber Littleton, CNM

• Contact: (417) 888-5611
• Certified Nurse Midwife

Scarlet Jessen, CPM

• Contact: (417) 233-1100
• Certified Professional Midwife

Additional Considerations for Selecting a Midwife in Springfield

Communication and Personal Compatibility

Importance of feeling comfortable with your midwife

• Discuss the significance of open communication
• Emphasize the need for trust in the patient-midwife relationship

Questions to ask during initial consultations

• Suggest inquiries about birth philosophy
• Recommend asking about availability and on-call schedule
• Propose questions about handling complications

Types of Midwifery Care Available in Springfield

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) vs. Certified Professional Midwives (CPM)

• Explain the differences in education and certification
• Highlight Linda Punch and Marina Podolskiy as CNMs
• Mention Scarlet Jessen, Mary Ueland, and Crystal Ferguson as CPMs

Hospital-based vs. home birth options

• Discuss hospital affiliation of Marina Podolskiy with Mercy Hospital Springfield
• Note the potential for home birth services from CPMs
• Emphasize the importance of discussing birth setting preferences