Certified Nurse Midwife

Certified nurse midwives specialize in both nursing and midwifery. They can function as a woman’s primary health care provider, especially for women who have ‘low risk’ pregnancies and are in relatively good health. As of 2010, all certified nurse midwives, or CNM’s will be required to hold a graduate or Master’s degree. Before then, they had to possess either a Master of Science in Nursing or a Post-Master’s Certificate.  Additionally, certified nurse midwives must hold a registered nurses license in the state in which they practice.

CNM’s provide health care that involves emotional and physical support to the woman before, during and after childbirth. They are registered nurses that specialize in assisting pregnant women and their newborn babies. Other services they provide include:

• Monitoring the health of the mother and fetus while pregnant
• Provide gynecological services such as breast exams and pap smears
• Advises on topics such as reproductive health and personal habits
• Perform complete prenatal care exams and evaluations
• Educate on subjects such as childbirth methods, infant care, nutrition, and exercise

Benefits of a Certified Nurse Midwife

Here’s a look at some of the benefits of hiring a certified nurse midwife:

• You can find them in numerous places (see below)
• Can assist you in your home during and after birth of your child
• Can perform necessary medical interventions such as fetal monitoring
• Can educate you with childbirth options and postpartum topics such as breastfeeding
• Can be an essential part of your clinical care team during labor and delivery
• Stays with you as other members of the care team change shifts, deal with other patients, etc.
• Can prescribe and administer pain medications
• Play a key role in reducing maternal and infant death rates
• Can be your primary care health provider before, during and after pregnancy

Where do You Find a Certified Nurse Midwife?

Certified nurse midwives can be found in a number of places. Most people find their midwives via hospitals, birthing centers or through private midwife companies. However, they can also be found in public health departments, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, independent practice associations and community health centers. Occasionally, you’ll find midwives who work in their client’s home for homebirths and postpartum periods.

Many times, CNM’s work closely with other health professionals like obstetricians. This is usually when medical treatments and medications are necessary for the pregnant woman.