Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

The Certified Nurse Midwife Program

The Tripler Midwifery Service currently has six Certified Nurse-Midwives. Our Service provides care for pregnant women who are uncomplicated and desire minimal intervention during their birth experience. The term “midwife” means “with women” and our goal is to support our patients through pregnancy and the birthing process. We encourage our patients to read and educate themselves about pregnancy and childbirth. We encourage good nutrition, regular exercise, and focus on a family-centered approach to this exciting time in your life. We can only accept 30 patients into the service each month so that we can give each patient the individual attention she may require.

The Tripler Midwifery Service practices in accordance with the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Standards and Core Competencies for Midwifery Practice, Varney’s Practice of Midwifery, the Tripler Army Medical Center OB/GYN Department Statement of Values and Ethics and the Department of Defense Uncomplicated Pregnancy Guidelines (DoD UPG). Our patients are low risk, which includes a BMI of less than 40 during the pregnancy.

The Midwifery Model believes in no or low-risk interventions for labor and birth. Our midwifery service accepts patients who desire a non-medicated birth, but also those women who desire pain medication in labor. We encourage the use of alternative pain relieving methods such as ambulation, pelvic rocking, massage, squatting, hydro-therapy, controlled breathing techniques and use of the birthing ball. We encourage patients to have at least one support person to assist them through the stages of labor. A staff obstetrician is available at all times on the Labor and Delivery Unit for the midwife to consult should the need arise.

Pregnancy and birthing classes are highly encouraged. Labor and birth is very challenging and it is difficult to achieve a non-medicated birth without some knowledge of the birthing process. Childbirth classes educate patients on what is happening to their body during pregnancy and the labor process.

We are excited that you have chosen the Midwifery Service at Tripler Army Medical Center. It is best to begin your prenatal care with us from the initial OB appointment. Please call the OB Medical Support Assistant (MSA) for Team Kauai and schedule your appointment with the Midwifery Service. We look forward to working with you to achieve your goals of a healthy pregnancy and a safe, memorable labor and birth experience.