Probably a dumb question

RandiDeeAnn

What all can a nurse practitioner from the OB's office do? Surely she can't deliver, right? I just really liked her, and thought that purposely scheduling some appointments with her instead of the OB might make me feel better. Boy how I wish there was a midwife around here. This lady gives me the same vibes as the midwife I saw postpartum at my old office.

YaraC

Mine does everything the OBs do, at least as far as prenatal appts go including u/s. I always try to schedule with her when I can. She does my annual exams as well.

RandiDeeAnn

What about delivery? Google keeps giving differing answers. Anyone have insight? Should I just schedule my next appointment with her and ask some questions?

hopecounts

It's probably state dependent, google your state and see.

Mine can't but they also outlawed midwifery, so only MDs can deliver. 

 

rbytsdy

No,a nurse practitioner cannot attend deliveries.  She holds at least a masters in nursing but not midwifery unless she specifically is a CNM.  I would guess that she hold a specialty in women's health. 

I wouldn't hesitate to schedule appointments with her.  Remember that obstetrics is a surgical specialty so that's where all the extra training for an MD is.  A nurse practitioner holds a ton of knowledge in this area but she doesn't do surgery.  So if you want someone to take extra time with you and answer lots of your questions, you may find that the nurse practitioner is good for that.  OBs typically schedule short visits but a nurse practitioner (like a midwife) should be able to spend more time with you.  Also, the OB won't spend a lot of time with you at your delivery so it's not like you need to spend all your appointments getting to know your OB.