Staff Midwife

ABOUT BIRTHCARE:
BirthCare is a practice of midwives located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. We have been serving families desiring to birth in their home or in our nationally accredited birth center for over 30 years. Our team of experienced midwives are dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.

At BirthCare, we understand that giving birth is a deeply personal and transformative experience. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel empowered and respected. Our goal is to ensure that you have all the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your birth plan.

We serve families desiring to birth in their home or in our nationally accredited birth center. We attend home births in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia within a 40-mile radius of BirthCare. In addition to our birth services, we also work with clients seeking personalized gynecologic care and family planning.

GENERAL DUTIES:
Provide antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, initial newborn care, well-person gynecologic care, and family planning services, within the policies and procedures of BirthCare & Womens Health. Provide supervision and teaching for birth assistants and students. Perform administrative duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES: (Full Time or Part Time)
Antepartum Care: Obtain medical histories of the expectant birthing person and family. Perform initial physical and pelvic examination of the expectant client. Review previous records and transfers appropriate information. Conduct regular return visits. Make continuing assessment of risk factors. Plan for and provide continuing health supervision, education (including assistance in planning for postpartum care), and support for each client based upon their individual and family needs. Conduct or refer for AP testing, collect appropriate lab specimens, interpret and document results with appropriate client follow-up as indicated. Consult with other BirthCare midwives and/or obstetrical or gynecological consultants, as needed.

Intrapartum Care: Provide support and guidance while facilitating the normal process of childbirth. Ongoing assessment of risk status throughout the labor and birth process. Obtain histories and review antepartum records. Perform physical exams. Perform pertinent laboratory tests. Provide, evaluate, and document care of the newborn infant. Utilize obstetric and/or pediatric consultation when indicated.

Postpartum Care: Evaluate the health status of the birthing person and baby. Provide the birthing person with instruction and support for self-care. Provide support for the family throughout the puerperium. Assist with family planning options based on the desires and needs of the couple.

Gynecologic Care/Family Planning (Based on Licensure): Take the medical and family history of the client and their sexual partner (if appropriate). Review any previous records and laboratory data. Perform physical exam as indicated. Provide education on health maintenance, including sexuality, screening for STIs, and contraceptive planning and use. Determine necessary laboratory procedures. Initiate appropriate contraceptive methods and provide follow-up supervision as indicated.

Other: Give lectures when asked and represent BirthCare throughout the reproductive health and childbirth communities. Conduct information sessions for prospective families and professionals. Participate in Birthday Planning Meetings. Participate in staff meetings and on committees as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:
Graduate of an American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) recognized midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) or a midwifery education program that is accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) or the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Is certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) or North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). Hold a current license or approval to practice as a midwife in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Satisfy continuing education hours as required by the AMCB Certificate Maintenance Program or NARM.