Business & Tech

Edward/Elmhurst Hospital Offers Midwife Practice for Low-Risk Pregnancies

Midwife practice will be available at Elmhurst and Oak Park women's health clinics.


Moms-to-be in Elmhurst and the nearby communities served by Edward can now have their babies delivered by a midwife at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital.

Edward Hospital has expanded the midwife practice after merging with Elmhurst Memorial which offers care to low-risk women.The program is being offered at the Midwifery and Women’s Health of Elmhurst Clinic.

Midwives are advanced practical nurses who are nationally certified and licensed by their state. They are specialists in low-risk pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and women’s health, said Shirley Moore, a CNM, MSN, APN, certified nurse midwife at the Elmhurst Clinic.

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“Midwives support women’s choices, cultural preferences and unique needs while working with a mutual understanding and respect to deliver the care all women deserve,” Moore said in a hospital press release.  “Midwifery care supports the patient in having a natural, personalized experience with alternative comfort measures, such as hydrotherapy and warm water immersion for labor and birth.”

Moore stresses the health of the mother and baby are of the utmost importance. In the event of complications, midwives work with obstetricians/gynecologists and medical staff to ensure mother and baby are safe and healthy throughout the delivery process.

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Elmhurst Clinic midwife services include:

  • Annual exams: Pap smear, HPV testing, infection testing/treatment

  • Breast examination/mammography referral

  • Preconception counseling and pregnancy planning

  • Comprehensive prenatal care

  • Testing, ultrasound and childbirth preparation, including alternative medicine options and referral

  • Birth care: Continuous support during active labor

  • Breastfeeding support

  • Family planning

  • Menopausal care

  • According to Moore, most women are good candidates for midwifery. Those who have diabetes, heart conditions, are prone to seizures or have other high-risk factors are discouraged from pursuing midwifery as an option during pregnancy and for delivery.

    Elmhurst Clinic midwives see patients at Midwifery and Women’s Health of Elmhurst Clinic offices at 1200 S. York St. in Elmhurst, 303 W. Lake St. in Addison and 1100 Lake St. in Oak Park.  The midwives deliver babies at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Rd. in Elmhurst.

    For more information, visit the Edward/Elmhurst midwifery and women's clinic website, or call (331) 221-9009.



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