FAQs

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), and how is a CNM different from an OB/GYN?

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice registered nurse with specialized graduate-level training in midwifery and women’s health. CNMs are licensed, board-certified, and fully qualified to provide comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and beyond. While OB/GYNs are surgical specialists who focus heavily on the medical and surgical management of pregnancy complications, CNMs like our own Julie Oates, CNM, focus on relationship-centered, low-intervention care that honors the body’s natural processes while maintaining rigorous clinical safety standards. At Cove Midwifery and Women's Health, you benefit from the best of both worlds—a highly trained clinician who takes the time to truly know you and your health goals.

What services does Cove Midwifery and Women’s Health offer?

We offer a comprehensive range of maternity and women’s health services in Manhattan Beach, CA. Our services include prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, lactation and breastfeeding support, fertility and preconception counseling, childbirth education, and well-woman gynecological care. Whether you are planning a pregnancy, currently expecting, or simply looking for an attentive provider for your annual exams and gynecologic health, we provide care designed to meet you where you are in your health journey.

Is midwifery care safe? What if something goes wrong during labor or delivery?

Yes, midwifery care is safe for low-risk pregnancies and is supported by decades of research demonstrating excellent outcomes. At Cove Midwifery and Women's Health, safety is our highest priority. Our CNM collaborates closely with OB/GYN physicians and maternal-fetal medicine specialists and maintains established referral relationships so that if a complication arises, you receive the appropriate level of care without delay. We take a thorough, evidence-based approach to assessing and monitoring risk throughout your pregnancy, and our team is trained to recognize warning signs early and act decisively. You should never have to choose between personalized care and clinical excellence—at Cove, you receive both.

Do you accept insurance? What payment options are available?

We accept a variety of insurance plans and also offer a membership option for patients who prefer a direct-pay model. We encourage you to visit our insurance information page or call us at (844) 808-COVE to confirm whether your plan is accepted before your first appointment. Our team will work with you to help you understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs so there are no surprises. We believe access to high-quality midwifery care should be as straightforward as possible.

What is the Cove Midwifery membership, and who is it for?

The Cove Midwifery and Women's Health membership program is designed for patients who prefer a transparent, direct-pay relationship with their care provider rather than navigating insurance billing. Membership provides access to our full scope of midwifery and women’s health services at a predictable cost, with the added benefit of a more intimate, unhurried care experience. It is an excellent option for patients with high-deductible plans, those who are uninsured, or those who simply prefer to invest directly in premium, relationship-centered care. Contact us at (844) 808-COVE to learn more about membership tiers and what is included.

How early in pregnancy should I schedule my first prenatal appointment?

We recommend scheduling your first prenatal care appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant, ideally between weeks 8 and 10. Early prenatal care is important for confirming your pregnancy, establishing a due date, reviewing your health history, ordering initial lab work, and creating a personalized care plan. The first trimester is also when some of the most important foundational screenings take place. The sooner we begin our relationship, the more seamlessly we can support you through every stage of your pregnancy. Call (844) 808-COVE or request an appointment online today.

What can I expect during a prenatal visit at Cove Midwifery?

Prenatal visits at Cove Midwifery and Women's Health are intentionally unhurried and thorough. You can expect time to ask questions, discuss concerns, and genuinely connect with your midwife—not a rushed 10-minute appointment. Depending on your stage of pregnancy, visits typically include monitoring your baby’s growth and heartbeat, reviewing lab work and ultrasound results, discussing nutrition and lifestyle, and planning for birth. We prioritize education and informed decision-making at every visit so that you feel confident and prepared as your pregnancy progresses. Learn more on our Prenatal Care page.

Do you offer childbirth education classes?

Yes. Our childbirth education program is designed to prepare expectant parents for labor, birth, and the early postpartum period. Classes cover topics such as the stages of labor, pain management techniques, breathing and relaxation methods, birth preferences, and what to expect in the immediate hours after delivery. We believe that education is one of the most powerful tools you have going into birth, and our classes reflect the same philosophy that defines all of our care—evidence-based, comprehensive, and deeply supportive.

What postpartum care services do you provide?

The weeks following birth are a critical time for both mother and baby, and Cove Midwifery and Women's Health is committed to supporting you through the entire fourth trimester. Our postpartum care includes newborn assessments, maternal recovery check-ins, emotional and mental health screening, wound care, and guidance on infant feeding and sleep. We monitor for postpartum complications including infection, mood disorders, and breastfeeding challenges, and we connect you with additional specialists when needed. You are not alone once the birth is over—our care continues for the full six weeks postpartum and beyond.

Do you provide lactation and breastfeeding support?

Yes. Lactation support is one of our most valued services. Breastfeeding, while natural, can come with a significant learning curve, and many new mothers benefit greatly from professional guidance in those critical early days. At Cove Midwifery and Women's Health, we provide hands-on breastfeeding support, latch assessment, milk supply guidance, and troubleshooting for common challenges like engorgement, nipple pain, and low supply. We also offer referrals to lactation consultants for more complex situations. You deserve support that helps you meet your feeding goals, whatever those may be.

What is preconception counseling, and should I schedule it before trying to conceive?

Preconception counseling is a proactive appointment designed to optimize your health before you begin trying to conceive. During a fertility and preconception counseling visit at Cove Midwifery and Women's Health, we review your medical history, current medications, nutritional status, lifestyle factors, and any underlying conditions that could affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes. We also discuss genetic carrier screening, prenatal supplements, and timing strategies. Starting your pregnancy journey with a preconception visit can improve your chances of conception, reduce the risk of complications, and give you peace of mind. Contact us at (844) 808-COVE to schedule your consultation.

What well-woman gynecology services do you offer outside of pregnancy?

Cove Midwifery and Women’s Health provides ongoing gynecologic care for patients at every stage of life. Our well-woman gynecology services include annual exams, Pap smears and HPV testing, contraception counseling and management (including IUDs, implants, and oral contraceptives), STI screening and treatment, diagnosis and treatment of vaginal and urinary infections, adolescent gynecologic care, and perimenopause and menopause management. We are committed to providing continuity of care so that Cove Midwifery and Women's Health can be your trusted women’s health home throughout your lifetime—not just during pregnancy.

How do I become a new patient at Cove Midwifery and Women’s Health?

Becoming a new patient is simple. Visit our New Patients page to review important information about what to expect at your first visit, or call us directly at (844) 808-COVE. You can also request an appointment online at any time. We welcome patients at all stages—whether you are newly pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or seeking ongoing women’s health care. Our welcoming team will guide you through the onboarding process and make sure your first visit with us feels comfortable, unhurried, and genuinely supportive.

Where is Cove Midwifery and Women’s Health located, and what are your hours?

Cove Midwifery and Women's Health is conveniently located at 1026 Manhattan Beach Blvd, 1st Floor, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. We serve patients throughout the South Bay area, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and surrounding communities. To confirm our current office hours or schedule an appointment, please call us at (844) 808-COVE or visit our Contact page. We do our best to accommodate busy schedules and will work with you to find an appointment time that fits your life.

Can I see a midwife for gynecological care even if I’m not pregnant?

Absolutely. Certified Nurse Midwives are trained and licensed to provide a full range of women’s health services beyond maternity care. At Cove Midwifery and Women's Health, we welcome patients who are not pregnant and who are looking for attentive, compassionate gynecological care. From annual well-woman exams to contraception management, menopause support, STI screening, and more, our well-woman gynecology services are designed to support you at every stage of your reproductive health journey—regardless of whether pregnancy is part of your plans.