Commonwealth Midwifery

At Commonwealth Midwifery, our team of experienced certified nurse-midwives (CNM) specializes in providing full scope, reproductive health services for all ages. Guided by our values of shared decision making, compassion and accountability, we are committed to delivering exceptional, evidence-based care with quality outcomes for every patient. We provide gynecologic care, annual exams, counseling and insertion of all contraceptive methods. We specialize in prenatal care, pregnancy counseling, labor and delivery support, postpartum care and breastfeeding support.

Our midwives are a team of board certified midwives providing personalized, holistic care throughout the lifespan. We specialize in supporting families during their pregnancy and childbirth, recognizing and respecting the natural process, while monitoring for complications or high-risk conditions that may arise. Obstetricians are medical doctors who specialize in medically managing pregnancy and birth and are able to provide operative interventions including vacuum, forceps, and cesarean sections. Your midwives are able to consult with our physician colleagues 24/7 if needed.

Our approach as a group emphasizes partnership with our patients, trust-building, empowerment, informed decision-making, and support for the physiological process of childbirth. We believe in a model of patient empowerment, while also providing recommendations based on our knowledge and experience. This helps patients make choices that align with their values and preferences while drawing upon the collective expertise of our team.

We attend births at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital.  We have unique tools for supporting physiologic birth, including birth balls and peanut balls, showers, hydrotherapy tubs, squat bars and our training and presence as midwives. We generally spend time in our patients’ rooms providing labor support throughout labor and are present as our patients move through the second stage, in which they are pushing their baby out. In addition to supporting unmedicated labor, we are also able to offer pain management options, if preferred. These options include nitrous oxide (coming 2026), IV pain medication, or an epidural for labor.

As a group of midwives, we are collectively trained to recognize and manage complications within our scope of practice. In the event of a medical emergency or the need for interventions beyond our expertise, we collaborate closely with obstetricians and other healthcare providers to ensure the safety of mother and baby.

We provide education and assistance with breastfeeding techniques, latch, positioning, and troubleshooting common challenges. Our group approach allows us to offer diverse perspectives and support strategies, ensuring that mothers receive comprehensive care and guidance. While in the hospital, our patients have ready access to our lactation team, who is present daily to help ensure parents have the help they need as they start their breastfeeding journey. We have a well-maintained list of outpatient lactation consultants (IBCLCs) to whom we can refer moms who want or need more support once they transition home from the hospital.

We support a woman's right to choose the pain management options that best suit her needs and preferences. Our group provides a range of support techniques, including natural coping methods and medical interventions, while respecting each individual's autonomy and preferences. We have unique tools for supporting physiologic birth, including birth balls and peanut balls, showers, hydrotherapy tubs, squat bars, and our presence as midwives. For medical pain interventions, our patients have access to nitrous oxide, IV pain medication, and epidurals.

Partners, doulas and support persons are encouraged to actively participate in the birthing person’s prenatal care and birthing process. Our group provides guidance and support, ensuring that they feel empowered to assist and advocate for the mother during labor and delivery. We work closely with doulas in the community and can make referrals if requested.

Our postpartum care includes monitoring the physical and emotional well-being of the postpartum patient, providing support as the family adjusts to parenthood, providing multiple postpartum visits, and 24/7 access to a midwife for questions or concerns. With our team approach, patients benefit from the collective expertise and support of our group, **including two perinatal mental health certified midwives. We keep active lists of local support groups and counselors for patients experiencing postpartum mood or anxiety disorders, and provide screening for these conditions.

We offer comprehensive prenatal testing and screenings based on evidence-based guidelines and the individual needs of each client, including the most state-of-the-art screening available. Our group provides thorough information about the purpose, benefits, risks and costs of each test, ensuring that clients feel empowered and informed as they make their decisions. We respect each family’s right to decide if screenings are right for them.

• To become a certified nurse-midwife (CNM), individuals undergo rigorous education and training. Nurse-midwives hold a four-year nursing degree as well as a graduate degree in midwifery from an accredited institution. Throughout their education, CNMs study various aspects of women's health, including anatomy and physiology, prenatal care, labor and delivery management, postpartum care, gynecological exams, family planning, and primary care.
• After completing their formal education, aspiring midwives must also fulfill clinical requirements, which often involve hands-on experience working under the supervision of experienced midwives and healthcare professionals. This clinical training allows them to develop essential skills in patient care, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making.
• Once they have completed their education and clinical training, individuals seeking certification as midwives must pass a national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) or a similar certifying body. This exam assesses their knowledge, skills, and competency in the field of midwifery.
• Certified nurse-midwives adhere to the midwifery model of care, a philosophy of care that emphasizes a woman-centered approach, informed decision-making, and the promotion of physiological childbirth. They work collaboratively with their clients to provide personalized care that respects their autonomy, preferences, and cultural beliefs. CNMs also collaborate with other healthcare providers, including obstetricians, pediatricians, and primary care providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for their patients.
• The midwives at Commonwealth Midwifery are proud to support the next generation of midwives by serving as clinical preceptors for midwifery students. We value our profession deeply and recognize the importance of investing in those who are expanding their knowledge and skills. By teaching, mentoring, and modeling full-scope midwifery care, we help strengthen the future of women’s health in our community.