Holistic Gynecology Care

Yes. Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Licensed Midwives (LMs) in New York have full prescriptive authority. Midwives prescribe the full spectrum of reproductive and gynecological medications, including:

• Contraception (oral pills, IUDs, Nexplanon implants, patches, vaginal rings, and emergency contraception)
• Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) / hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormone optimization for perimenopause and menopause
• Routine therapeutics, antibiotics, and prenatal medications

Midwives and OB/GYNs offer safe, comprehensive care, but their scope and approach differ:

• Choose a Midwife if: You want low-intervention, holistic, and deeply personalized care for normal, low-to-moderate-risk pregnancy and birth, as well as routine gynecological care. Midwives specialize in physiologic birth, shared decision-making, emotional support, and whole-body wellness.
• Choose an OB/GYN if: You have a high-risk pregnancy, significant pre-existing medical conditions (such as severe hypertension, heart conditions, or complex diabetes), or conditions requiring surgical intervention, as OB/GYNs are trained surgeons specializing in complications.
• Collaborative Care: If complications arise while in midwifery care, I work collaboratively with hospital-based OB/GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine specialists to co-manage or smoothly transfer care if necessary.

It's important to note that you do not need an OB/GYN to work with me — you can choose me as your primary gynecology or pregnancy care provider. Read the full midwife vs. OB/GYN comparison.

In almost all cases, no. Under New York law, patients have direct access to licensed midwives without requiring a referral from a physician or primary care provider.