OBSTETRICAL Care
Midwives believe in the promotion and realization of family centered maternity care. Pregnancy and childbearing are seen as natural, healthy processes that do not need medical intervention unless there is an indication. We believe our clients should be educated about their pregnancy in order that they may be active partners in their healthcare.
The initial prenatal visit lasts approximately one hour and encompasses a thorough history, physical and pelvic examination as well as appropriate laboratory testing. Subsequently, women are seen every 4 weeks through 28 weeks gestation to evaluate their well-being and assess the pregnancy. From 28 through 36 weeks, women are seen every two weeks, and in the last month, weekly. Screening for risk factors, weight, blood pressure, fetal growth, and fetal heart rate are some of the parameters used to evaluate the health of the woman during her pregnancy. If risk factors are identified, consultation is available at all times with our affiliated physicians, or with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist as needed. All prenatal testing is explained to the client and reviewed when results are available. Ultrasound examinations are offered at our Caldwell office, or can be obtained at one of the maternal-fetal medicine centers we are affiliated with as needed. We often refer clients to other providers such as acupuncturists, physical therapists, and chiropractors as necessary.
Hospital Care
Avalon midwives are associated with Morristown Medical Center in Morris County and Overlook Medical Center in Summit, located in Union County. Both medical centers are part of the Atlantic Health System and provide the best obstetrical and newborn care in the state of New Jersey. The obstetrical suites offer new labor and delivery rooms and private postpartum rooms. This provides the ultimate bonding experience for both mother, father and baby during the important first days of life.
Atlantic Health System’s administration and nursing staff are fully supportive of a midwifery approach to birth. The second Atlantic Health welcomes the innovations in childbirth including personalized birth plans, waterbirth, music and aromatherapy—while making available all the services necessary to keep a birth safe.
We encourage women to be in their position of choice for both labor and the birth process. Husbands, partners, doulas and/or family members are welcome to participate, as the woman desires. Siblings may also be present as desired. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in the sibling classes offered by Atlantic Health. Should the course of labor/delivery require medical intervention, our affiliated physicians are always available. The labor & delivery unit is also staffed with an attending physician and an anesthesiologist, should an emergency arise.
Most women stay in the hospital for 2 days after their birth, in order to have time to rest and spend time with their new infant. However, early discharge is available if both mother and baby are in good health and doing well.
Our midwives work on a rotating schedule in both offices and on-call. Someone is always available should there be a need outside of office hours. We are easily reachable by calling 973-228-3550. For more information about Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center visit, www.atlantichealth.org. For a tour of Morristown Medical Center, call 800-247-9580. For a tour of Overlook Medical Center, call 908-522-2333.
