What is the nurse-midwife’s role in women’s health?
Lisa Brown, APRN, DNP, CNM is a nurse-midwife at the Mankato Clinic.
The Mankato Clinic has launched a nurse-midwife program to offer women’s health care from adolescence through childbearing years, with a focus on pregnancy, labor and delivery in a clinical and hospital setting.
In collaboration with the Mankato Clinic obstetrician and gynecology team, the midwife program offers patients the shared care of a midwife and OB/GYN physicians. Your prenatal care, labor and delivery and gynecological care includes the expertise and support of a midwife and our trusted OB/GYN physicians.
Lisa Brown, APRN, DNP, CNM, is Mankato Clinic’s nurse-midwife. Certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, Lisa is an independent practitioner who holds a doctorate degree in nursing to provide a high level of care.
The biggest myths about midwives are they only deliver babies at home and women cannot have an epidural if they have a midwife. Lisa delivers babies at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Mankato where epidurals and other pain medications are available to patients. The use of pain medication is up to each individual. Lisa cares for and supports women who choose to have an epidural just as they support women who wish to give birth without an epidural.
“Our goal is to help you have as natural a childbirth as you want in a hospital setting. We like the safety nets. We don’t need them all the time. If you do need them, you’re so glad they are right there,” Lisa says. “We offer a more natural approach to labor and delivery and prenatal care. We are supportive of conventional and complementary care to support pregnancy and health and wellness.”
Lisa takes a holistic approach, which means she treats the whole person to support health and well-being. She works closely with patients and their families to create a care plan that best suits them, their life, their culture.
“Globally, there are many beliefs around pregnancy and childbirth. We like to incorporate and know what our patients’ cultural preferences are because they are so deeply rooted,” Lisa adds. “We share what we know, but we also come with the understanding that this is the way you grew up and this is what your culture believes and practices. We are here to help you make the best decision for your family.”
Just like our Mankato Clinic OBGYNs, certified midwives are dedicated to the safety of baby and mother during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Medical interventions such as induction and cesarean sections may be necessary. In these situations, your midwife will explain your options and ensure you get the care you need.
What can you expect in pregnancy care and childbirth?
- Individualized pregnancy care plan with the ability to co-manage complications or risk factors with Mankato Clinic OBGYNs
- Support of birthing plans that are safe and appropriate
- Labor and delivery at Mayo Clinic Health System-Mankato Hospital
- Support for your decision to use or not use medication during labor and delivery
Midwives also offer health care services for growing your family, birth control, menstruation issues and annual health exams.