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Is your goal to have as natural a childbirth experience as possible, with the least possible medical intervention? Are you interested in alternative birthing positions, such as using a birthing stool, and labor therapies, such as soaking in a jacuzzi, walking or taking a hot shower during labor?
If so, you might consider delivering your baby with a midwife. Amy Fleming, MKMG’s Certified Nurse Midwife, is an expert in natural childbirth, and specially qualified to provide low-risk obstetrical care, as well as routine and well-woman gynecology.
“My practice is tailor-made for women who want to be a part of the birth experience, who want guidance with less intervention, and who believe in letting nature take its own course,” Ms. Fleming said.
What is a Midwife?
“Midwives teach women to trust their bodies to deliver healthy babies naturally, with less medical intervention,” she explained. “Our training is in low-risk pregnancy and childbirth, and our focus is on education. We provide mothers-to-be with a complete understanding of the options available to them, so they can make educated decisions about how they want to have their babies.”
Midwives are registered nurses who graduate from an advanced educational program accredited by the American College of Nurse Midwives. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) must pass a national certification exam and meet strict requirements for state licensure.
Ms. Fleming has practiced as a CNM for more than 16 years. In 1984, she received a Masters
degree in Midwifery from Columbia University, and is licensed in the state of New York.
Mutual Goals of Midwifery
Ms. Fleming’s goal is for patients to feel informed, and to know what to expect every step of the way. Her hope is that patients have a euphoric and empowering birth experience.
To this end, Ms. Fleming consults extensively with patients, learning their beliefs and desires, and educating them about their choices. Throughout the process, she focuses on preparing them as much as possible for pregnancy and childbirth, and what to expect physically, emotionally and psychologically.
Planning the Birth
Together, she and her patients develop a birth plan that includes a”wish list” of everything the patient hopes to achieve during childbirth. This list might include the desire to give birth in a squatting position, to use relaxation aides such as a jacuzzi or hot shower, and to avoid using medications for pain or inducing delivery unless they become medically necessary.
Of course, patients are free to change their minds about things like epidurals or pain medications during the birth process.
“My patients are not required to have a natural childbirth,” she said. “They can change their minds at any time, and they know that if they ask me for pain medication, they will get it. The difference is that my patients seek me out because they want to try not to intervene in the natural process.”
In fact, Ms. Fleming herself may recommend procedures or medications when they are medically necessary, or when she believes they will help the mother progress through labor more effectively.
“Patients know that their ‘wish list’ is exactly that -- we follow it to the best of our ability, but circumstances sometimes make medical intervention necessary. In these cases, I always explain exactly what the procedure will entail, what it will accomplish, and why I am recommending it. I make sure that there are never any surprises, so mothers can feel comfortable about everything that is going on.”
The Birth Process
All patients under Ms. Fleming’s care deliver their babies in Northern Westchester Hospital’s Birthing Center, which can accommodate most alternative birthing therapies and procedures.
During every delivery, an MKMG obstetrician is available to provide immediate consultation and care, in case of a medical emergency. The hospital’s neonatologists are also on-hand to provide care for infants with medical problems.
“All of my patients receive the expert care of an MKMG board-certified obstetrician whenever they need it; we work collaboratively,” she explained. “If a problem should arise during pregnancy or childbirth, a physician is available immediately to provide whatever services or guidance are necessary.”
The Rewards
As many of her patients attest, the experience of natural delivery with a midwife can be extremely rewarding.
Karen Stachowicz delivered her son, Jacob, with Ms. Fleming two years ago, and was “absolutely thrilled” with the experience.
“I never felt nervous or scared,” Stachowicz said. “Amy was right there to help me relax and let me know how I was doing. I was very lucky that I had no serious complications, and everything went as we had planned. It was an amazing experience,” she said.
Jennifer Ceisler, who gave birth to her third child in February, explained, “With Amy, I never felt like a patient, it felt more like a friendship. At the same time, I knew I could trust Amy with my care. She is up-front and cautious, and there are no surprises. It could not have been more perfect.”
Patient Karen Landers echoes these accolades. “You never feel alone in the process -- Amy is always there to hold your hand,” she said. “Even after I gave birth, she called to check on me and see how things were going. I always felt very cared for.”
“Having my first baby with Amy was a wonderful experience,” said Claire Howard-Coster, who will deliver her second baby with Amy this year. “Amy is extremely knowledgeable -- I felt completely comfortable with her. She is a very calming presence throughout the process. Walking and using the jacuzzi also really helped during labor.”
Curious about whether midwifery is right for you? Interested in learning more? Ms. Fleming encourages women to contact her to ask questions and discuss their options. She can be reached at 241-1050. | 
