{"id":342,"date":"2019-04-12T15:10:45","date_gmt":"2019-04-12T19:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nortonhealthcaretest1.flywheelsites.com\/?page_id=342"},"modified":"2025-10-31T08:46:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T12:46:53","slug":"obgyn-midwife","status":"publish","type":"service","link":"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/planning-pregnancy\/obgyn-midwife\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing an OB\/GYN or Midwife"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An obstetrician\/gynecologist (OB\/GYN) is the most common caregiver for pregnancy, and midwives are growing in popularity. Norton Healthcare&#8217;s midwives are part of our commitment to give all <a href=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/birthing-options\/\">moms-to-be options<\/a> for the pregnancy experience they want with medical specialists and advanced care at the ready if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understand the differences between OB\/GYNs and midwives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ob-gyn\">OB\/GYN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An OB\/GYN is a medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. Norton Healthcare OB\/GYNs deliver more babies in Louisville and Southern Indiana than any other provider. Our expertise and personalized care are just two reasons so many parents choose to deliver at Norton Healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women who choose an OB\/GYN typically have an appointment every four weeks in the first trimester, and as the pregnancy advances, weekly visits begin until delivery day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These specialists are trained to deal with the entire range of pregnancies, from uncomplicated, low-risk deliveries to many kinds of high-risk deliveries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meet the <a href=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/specialists\/\">Norton Women\u2019s Care OB\/GYNs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-midwife\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/birthing-options\/midwife\/\">Midwife<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Norton Healthcare\u2019s midwifery practice includes certi\ufb01ed nurse midwives who provide comprehensive, family-centered maternity care from the first prenatal visit through labor and delivery, and after the birth of your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Midwives are a good fit for low-risk pregnancies, though they also can assist or refer patients to OB\/GYNs for high-risk care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the holistic approach of midwives, it\u2019s a common misconception that they only oversee natural births. Patients of midwives can choose pain-management options including epidural or nitrous oxide.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"providers-locations-sidebar\">\n      <div id=\"Midwives\" class=\"card my-5\">\n      <div class=\"card-header bg-primary-soft py-3\">\n        <h5 class=\"mb-0\">Midwives<\/h5>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"card-body\">\n        <div id=\"providers_1\" class=\"row gy-3\">\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Kimberly+S+Barnes\/490051\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/500\/barnes-kimberly-1295190312.jpg\" alt=\"Kimberly S Barnes, APRN\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Kimberly+S+Barnes\/490051\" target=\"_blank\">Kimberly S Barnes, APRN,  CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Midwifery<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                    \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Melissa+H+Courtney\/3215342\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/200\/courtney-melissa-1255345278.jpg\" alt=\"Melissa H Courtney, APRN\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Melissa+H+Courtney\/3215342\" target=\"_blank\">Melissa H Courtney, APRN,  CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Midwifery, Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                    \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Kathryn+L+Melvin\/1271953\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/500\/melvin-kathryn-1285149864.jpg\" alt=\"Kathryn L Melvin, APRN\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Kathryn+L+Melvin\/1271953\" target=\"_blank\">Kathryn L Melvin, APRN,  CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Midwifery, Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                                        <div class=\"provider-reviews\">\n                      <div class=\"stars-outer\">\n                        <div class=\"stars-inner\" style=\"width:96%\"><\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n                      <span class=\"text-xs\">(<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Kathryn+L+Melvin\/1271953#provider-details-reviews\">35<\/a>)<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                  \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Katana+M+Ratliff\/6896546\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/500\/ratliff-katana-1174293039.jpg\" alt=\"Katana M Ratliff, APRN\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Katana+M+Ratliff\/6896546\" target=\"_blank\">Katana M Ratliff, APRN,  CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Midwifery, Obstetric Hospitalist<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                    \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Danielle+C+Ray\/6743860\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/500\/ray-danielle-1245068683.jpg\" alt=\"Danielle C Ray, APRN\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Danielle+C+Ray\/6743860\" target=\"_blank\">Danielle C Ray, APRN<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Obstetric Hospitalist, Midwifery<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                    \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Danielle+M+Roberts\/1102980\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/500\/roberts-danielle-1023525284.jpg\" alt=\"Danielle M Roberts, APRN\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Danielle+M+Roberts\/1102980\" target=\"_blank\">Danielle M Roberts, APRN,  CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Midwifery<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                                        <div class=\"provider-reviews\">\n                      <div class=\"stars-outer\">\n                        <div class=\"stars-inner\" style=\"width:100%\"><\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n                      <span class=\"text-xs\">(<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Danielle+M+Roberts\/1102980#provider-details-reviews\">53<\/a>)<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                  \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Terra+S+Smith\/3197777\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/500\/rhoades-terra-1982362307.jpg\" alt=\"Terra S Smith, APRN\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Terra+S+Smith\/3197777\" target=\"_blank\">Terra S Smith, APRN,  CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Midwifery, Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                                        <div class=\"provider-reviews\">\n                      <div class=\"stars-outer\">\n                        <div class=\"stars-inner\" style=\"width:92%\"><\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n                      <span class=\"text-xs\">(<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Terra+S+Smith\/3197777#provider-details-reviews\">54<\/a>)<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                  \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Mallorie+L+Willis\/3100858\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/500\/willis-mallorie-1720830102.jpg\" alt=\"Mallorie L Willis, APRN\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Mallorie+L+Willis\/3100858\" target=\"_blank\">Mallorie L Willis, APRN,  CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Midwifery, Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                                        <div class=\"provider-reviews\">\n                      <div class=\"stars-outer\">\n                        <div class=\"stars-inner\" style=\"width:94%\"><\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n                      <span class=\"text-xs\">(<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Mallorie+L+Willis\/3100858#provider-details-reviews\">52<\/a>)<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                  \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Elaura+M+Haynes\/2954859\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/500\/haynes-elaura-1396302725.jpg\" alt=\"Elaura M Haynes, CNM\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Elaura+M+Haynes\/2954859\" target=\"_blank\">Elaura M Haynes, CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Obstetrics and Gynecology, Midwifery<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                    \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Kourtney+B+Martin\/2782980\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-images.kyruus.com\/providermatch\/norton\/photos\/500\/martin-kourtney-1952072571.jpg\" alt=\"Kourtney B Martin, CNM\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Kourtney+B+Martin\/2782980\" target=\"_blank\">Kourtney B Martin, CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Women&#039;s Health, Midwifery<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                                        <div class=\"provider-reviews\">\n                      <div class=\"stars-outer\">\n                        <div class=\"stars-inner\" style=\"width:96%\"><\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n                      <span class=\"text-xs\">(<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Kourtney+B+Martin\/2782980#provider-details-reviews\">55<\/a>)<\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                  \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"col-xl-4 col-md-6\">\n              <div class=\"related-provider align-items-start\">\n                                <a class=\"provider-image rounded shadow\" href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Bethany+A+Petrey\/6811985\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid provider-img\" src=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/wp-content\/themes\/norton-parent-theme\/assets\/images\/provider_default.png\" alt=\"Bethany A Petrey, CNM\" \/><\/a>\n\n                                <div class=\"provider-info\">\n                  <h6 class=\"title mb-0 lh-sm\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/providers.nortonhealthcare.com\/provider\/Bethany+A+Petrey\/6811985\" target=\"_blank\">Bethany A Petrey, CNM<\/a>\n                    <p class=\"text-xs text-muted mb-0\">Midwifery<\/p>\n                  <\/h6>\n\n                                    \n                                                    <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n<!-- Insurance Modal -->\n\n<!-- Insurance Modal -->\n<div class=\"modal fade\" id=\"insuranceModal\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-labelledby=\"insuranceModalLabel\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n  <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-lg modal-dialog-centered modal-dialog-scrollable\" style=\"height: calc(100% - var(--bs-modal-margin) * 2);\">\n    <div class=\"modal-content\">\n      <div class=\"modal-header\">\n        <h1 class=\"modal-title fs-5\" id=\"insuranceModalLabel\">Insurance Plans &#038; Networks<\/h1>\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"btn-close\" data-bs-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\"><\/button>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"modal-body\">\n        <div class=\"insurance-list row\"><div class=\"col-12 col-md-6\"><ul class=\"insurance-list-column mb-0\"><li class=\"insurance-item\">Aetna<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Aetna Better Health<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Aetna Medicare Advantage<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Ambetter from MHS<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Ambetter from WellCare of Kentucky<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Anthem<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Anthem Kentucky Medicaid<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Anthem MediBlue HMO\/PPO<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Anthem Pathway<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Anthem Pathway Transition<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">CareSource Indiana Medicaid<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">CareSource Marketplace Kentucky and Indiana<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Cigna<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">CorVel<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Coventry<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Encore<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Essence<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">First Health Group Corp. (First Health)<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">HealthSmart<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Hosparus<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Humana Medicaid<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Humana Medicare<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Indiana Health Network<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Indiana Medicaid<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"col-12 col-md-6\"><ul class=\"insurance-list-column \"><li class=\"insurance-item\">Indiana Medicare<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Kentucky Medicaid<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Kentucky Medicare<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">MDwise<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">MHS<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Molina Healthcare<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">MultiPlan<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Passport Health Plan Kentucky MCO<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Passport Marketplace<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Provider Net\/OMCA<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">SIHO<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Sagamore<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Signature Advantage<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">TRICARE Humana Military<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">United Healthcare<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">United Healthcare Community Plan Indiana and Kentucky<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">United Healthcare Medicare Advantage<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">UofL Health \u2013 Frazier Rehabilitation Institute<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Veterans Affairs (VA)<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">WellCare<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">WellCare Medicare<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">WellCare of Kentucky Medicaid (Kentucky MCO)<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Wellpath<\/li><li class=\"insurance-item\">Workers\u2019 Compensation<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                  <h2 class=\"modal-insurance-title fs-5\">What if I don&#8217;t have insurance?<\/h2>\n          <div class=\"mb-3 modal-insurance-copy text-sm\"><p>Copays or fees are typically due at the time of service. If you have insurance, your copay amount will depend on your plan. For self-pay patients, the cost of a visit typically ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the services provided. There may be additional charges for services such as lab tests or X-rays.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you have questions about your bill or need assistance with payment options, you can contact Norton Healthcare customer service at (502) 479-6300 or (800) 874-3979.<\/p><\/div>\n              <\/div>\n      <div class=\"modal-footer\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"btn btn-secondary\" data-bs-dismiss=\"modal\">Close<\/button>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See more and classes for <a href=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/during-pregnancy\/childbirth-classes\/\">new parents<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"card card-callout    \">\n\t<div class=\"card-body\">\n\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-to-expect-from-norton-women-s-care\">What to Expect from Norton Women\u2019s Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More mothers in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose to deliver their babies at Norton Hospital or Norton Women\u2019s &amp; Children\u2019s Hospital than with any other hospital system in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/maternity-badge-usnwr-2026-150x145.png?wsr\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1168107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/maternity-badge-usnwr-2026-150x145.png 150w, https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/maternity-badge-usnwr-2026.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We deliver more than 8,000 babies a year. We\u2019re close to you with more than 90 providers at more than 25 locations around Louisville and Southern Indiana. Choosing Norton Women\u2019s Care gives you many options for how delivery day could go \u2014 all with the confidence of knowing that our obstetrics and pediatric specialists are there to help. With Norton Women\u2019s Care, you\u2019ll find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/during-pregnancy\/choosing-birth-option\">The birth experience you want<\/a>: You can choose natural childbirth, a midwife, labor tub, nitrous oxide and other birthing options. We\u2019ll recommend a C-section (cesarean section) or induced labor only if it\u2019s medically necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preparation: Our specialists offer the support you need, including&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/during-pregnancy\/childbirth-classes\/\">free Lamaze and other childbirth classes<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/during-pregnancy\/childbirth-classes\/\">new parent classes<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/after-childbirth\/breastfeeding\/\">breastfeeding support<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/during-pregnancy\/childbirth-classes\/\">child safety classes&nbsp;<\/a>and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confidence and quality in care: Norton Women\u2019s Care has been recognized as High Performing \u2014 the highest rating available \u2014 for maternity care with fewer complications and C-sections, plus breastfeeding support and other benefits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We offer the highest-level (Level IV)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nortonchildrens.com\/services\/nicu\/\">neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)&nbsp;<\/a>in Louisville and Southern Indiana at Norton Children\u2019s Hospital, and a sophisticated Level III NICU at Norton Women\u2019s &amp; Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Around-the-clock OB\/GYN care is available at Norton Hospital and Norton Women\u2019s &amp; Children\u2019s Hospital emergency departments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Our board-certified&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/services\/pregnancy\/during-pregnancy\/maternal-fetal-medicine\">maternal-fetal medicine specialists&nbsp;<\/a> can help guide you through a high-risk pregnancy, from treating preexisting diabetes in the pregnant patient to a fetal echocardiogram to diagnose a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nortonchildrens.com\/services\/cardiology\/\">congenital heart condition<\/a> before a baby is born.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medicare, Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convenient access to your medical record: Communicate with your health care provider, get lab results, renew prescriptions and more through your free&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mychart.nortonhealthcare.org\/mychart\/\">Norton MyChart<\/a>&nbsp;account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Norton Women\u2019s Doula Program is supported by the Norton Children\u2019s Hospital Foundation. Through donations, volunteerism and community support, the foundation can provide funding for equipment, new technologies, clinical research, child advocacy and health education for patients, families, medical staff and the community. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nortonchildrens.com\/foundation\/ways-to-help\/\"><strong>HelpNortonChildrens.com<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":521275,"parent":341,"menu_order":1,"template":"","class_list":["post-342","service","type-service","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Midwife vs. OB\/GYN and Doulas | Norton Healthcare Louisville, Ky.<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"An obstetrician\/gynecologist (OB\/GYN) is the most common caregiver for pregnancy and midwives are growing in popularity.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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