Women Focused Primary Care
Women Focused Primary Care at Lifecycle Women’s Health
Most people think midwives just attend people during pregnancy and birth. However, midwives do much more than that. We are trained to be experts in women’s health for people throughout the lifespan. According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, midwifery practice is defined as encompassing a full range of health care services, including primary care.[1] Also, in accordance with the State of Maine Board of Nursing regulations, certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are able to provide primary care services to women from adolescence beyond menopause.[2]
Staying within the scope of practice for midwives, I am happy to announce that I am expanding my services to include primary care.
What does that mean exactly?
Using the lens of integrative women’s health, I can offer care to people for health issues that go beyond reproductive and sexual health concerns and take care of the whole person.
Here is a list of services that midwives can manage independently:[3]
Preventative Care includes screening for the following issues:
Cervical cancer (pap smears)
Breast cancer and BRCA counseling
Osteoporosis
Vaccinations
Blood pressure
Diabetes screening
Cholesterol and lipids
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Contraceptive counseling and prescribing
Mental health screening, including depression, anxiety and perinatal mood disorders
Intimate partner violence screening
Sexual health satisfaction and desire
BMI
Lifestyle issues including diet, exercise, substance use, stress reduction
Screening family history risk factors
Skin changes
Management of the following chronic care issues:
Seasonal allergies
Mild asthma
Mild depression, anxiety and perinatal mood disorders
Herpes
Gastroesophageal reflux
Headaches
Vitamin D deficiency
Family planning
Menopause care
Sexual changes including but not limited to issues with desire and arousal, pain, changes after an illness, pregnancy or dues to age, disparate issues with your partner
PMS and other menstrual issues
Acute and episodic health care concerns:
Influenza
Conjunctivitis
Ear infections
Sinusitis
Colds
Urinary tract infections
Vaginal infections
Some skin issues
Mastitis
Sexually transmitted infections
Pelvic pain
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Basically midwives can provide primary care for the treatment of common health problems and basic conditions. People with more significant health issues would need either consultation or referral to a family practice or internal medicine provider or other appropriate provider depending on the concern.
If this is something that you are interested in, I would love to chat to see if my services are right for you. I accept many commercial insurances as well as Medicare and Maine Care. My office is located at the Big White Barn, 169 South Road in Readfield, Maine. I am currently in that office one or two days a week, but I am always available by phone. I am currently accepting new patients.
If you would like more information please be in touch. My phone number is 207-835-1720, my email is susan@lifecyclewomenshealth.com
[1] American College of Nurse-Midwives. Definition of Midwifery and Scope of Practice of Certified Nurse-Midwives and Certified Midwives. Silver Spring, MD: American College of Nurse-Midwives; 2011.
[2] Chapter 8, Regulations related to advanced practice registered nursing. Maine State Board of Nursing. Amended May 29, 2017
[3] Levi, ME. Midwives as Primary Care Providers: Complex Considerations. J Midwifery Women’s Health. 2019: 64(3); 261-264
Susan Kamin is a certified nurse midwife and a sexuality health counselor. After many years of helping people give birth and be born, she is now providing personalized integrative well women care at Lifecycle Women's Health in Readfield, ME. She sees people across the lifespan for well body care including annual exams and preventive screenings, as well as issues involving sexual health concerns, family planning, pelvic health, and mid-life/menopausal care. She enjoys sharing her wisdom in the hopes of helping people find pleasure, knowledge, and empowerment in their bodies as they go through all life's transitions.
