female4A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who has completed graduate level training in midwifery and has passed a national certification exam.

Midwives recognize each woman's unique needs, respect her autonomy, and trust the power of the body.

  • Midwives listen to patients and respect each woman's personal power and autonomy.
  • Midwives approach each woman as a partner in her own care.
  • Midwives help a woman understand her choices for care and trust her ability to choose the care that is best for her.
  • Midwives give women special attention, recognizing that each woman has unique health care needs.

Midwives are experts in women's health and provide care through all stages of a woman's life.

  • Midwives do more than care for pregnant women; they care for women from adolescence through menopause and beyond.
  • Midwives help women navigate normal life stages, including puberty, menopause, family planning, and health concerns.
  • Midwives promote good health and emphasize prevention of problems before they start.

For pregnant women, midwives provide comprehensive prenatal care and offer a skilled, attentive presence during labor, maximizing the likelihood of having a healthy baby, healthy mother and a satisfying birth experience.

  • Midwives focus on early detection of problems to minimize the chances of complications during pregnancy and birth.
  • Midwives are watchful guardians during pregnancy and birth, and practice judicious use of medical interventions only when necessary.
  • Midwives are highly trained to handle most complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Midwives are independent care providers who consult with physicians when appropriate to offer women the full spectrum of care.

Resources

https://www.midwife.org/About-Midwives