UVA Midwifery

About UVA Midwifery

UVA Midwifery is a comprehensive maternal healthcare division within the University of Virginia's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The program supports patients in choosing their own care plans during pregnancy and birth, offering the flexibility to plan for a natural birth while ensuring medical care is readily available if needed.

Board-Certified Nurse Midwives

The division employs board-certified nurse midwives who provide specialized maternal care with a focus on:

• Uniquely nurturing, hands-on care before, during and after birth
• Developing trusting relationships with patients and their families, resulting in confident, supported labor and birth experiences
• Encouraging shared decision-making so patients feel informed and empowered to make health decisions for themselves, their infants and their families
• Delivering individualized care that addresses both psychological and social needs of patients
• Providing postpartum care and support in the weeks and months after birth, helping patients adjust to their new babies and changes in their families

Pain Management and Comfort Techniques

The skilled midwifery team offers comprehensive pain management options, including both traditional medical interventions and low-intervention comfort techniques:

Standard Pain Management Methods:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Intravenous pain medication
• Epidural anesthesia

Low-Intervention Comfort Techniques:

• Essential oils
• Calming music
• Hydrotherapy
• Massage therapy

Service Locations

UVA Midwifery provides convenient access through four Charlottesville area locations:

1. UVA Battle Building - 1204 W. Main St.
2. UVA Primary Care Center - 1221 Lee St.
3. UVA Northridge Medical Park - 2955 Ivy Rd.
4. Family Medicine and Specialty Care Crozet - 375 Four Leaf Ln.

Patient Care Process

For Obstetric Patients:

• Initial visit with a nurse to review health history and complete lab work
• All follow-up visits conducted with certified Nurse-Midwives
• Comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care

For Gynecologic Patients:

• Direct scheduling available for convenient appointment times
• Comprehensive gynecologic care services

Scheduling and Access

New patients seeking either obstetric or gynecologic care can schedule appointments through the centralized scheduling system. The program emphasizes accessibility and patient convenience through multiple location options and flexible scheduling.

Educational Resources

UVA Midwifery encourages patients to learn more about midwifery care through resources such as The American College of Nurse Midwives, which provides comprehensive information about who midwives are and what services they can provide to patients and their families.

Integration with UVA Health System

As part of the University of Virginia's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UVA Midwifery operates within a comprehensive medical system that includes multiple specialized divisions such as Maternal Fetal Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology, Midlife Health, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Benign Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). This integration ensures that patients have access to the full spectrum of women's healthcare services when needed.