Specialized staff to serve you within the Family Birthplace
Maternity Counselors
Maternity Counselors guide and provide education to pregnant women as well as complement and expand upon the information shared with you by your healthcare provider. They are registered nurses who are specially trained in pregnancy and childbirth. You will meet with them two or three times during your pregnancy - during your first visit to the department, at approximately 28 weeks, and an optional appointment at about 36 to 37 weeks. They will answer questions, talk about options available, help you chose prenatal education classes that are right for you, discuss choices, help you make a personal "Birth Plan", and provide educational support. They are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These appointments will last approximately one hour and can be scheduled in conjunction with your healthcare provider appointment.
Lactation Consultants
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are allied healthcare providers who, by meeting eligibility requirements and by passing an independent examination, possess the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide quality breastfeeding assistance to babies and mothers. IBCLCs use a problem-solving approach to provide appropriate information, recommendations and referrals in a variety of settings. Our Lactation Consultants are graduates of UCLA's Lactation Educator Training Program and have more than 6,000 hours of teaching and consulting with breastfeeding mothers and babies. They are available to talk with you during your pregnancy and/or after your baby is born. If you have any questions about the Lactation Support Program, please call 608-785-0949, extension 2376.
Certified Nurse Midwives
Certified Nurse Midwives are registered nurses with advanced training, education and certification in women's health issues. Certified Nurse Midwives provide preconception, maternity and postpartum care for women at low risk for complications during pregnancy. They focus on the importance of patient participation, patient and family education, commitment to low intervention and highly supportive care. The Certified Nurse Midwives work collaboratively with physicians as needed to bring you a safe and satisfying birth experience. Throughout most of the world, midwives are the traditional care providers for women during pregnancy. In the United States, the use of midwives is steadily increasing.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are licensed registered nurses who have graduate preparation (Master's or Doctorate) in nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Their role is to improve patient outcomes by updating and improving norms of care by using standards of care that directs actions of nurses and nursing personnel.
Obstetrician-gynecologists
Physicians who have completed specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology are commonly referred to as Obstetricians, Ob-Gyns, or simply OBs. They specialize in the care of women including normal and problem pregnancies, disorders of the reproductive system, breast health, and preventive medicine including sexual function and contraception. Because of their specialized training in women's health, these physicians often serve as the primary health care provider for women.
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