Certified Nurse-Midwives
What is a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)?
A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a professional healthcare provider, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) who has graduated from an advanced education program accredited by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM). In addition, CNMs must pass a national certification examination and meet strict requirements set by state health agencies.
The term midwife, meaning "with a woman," was first recorded in the 1300's. The practice of nurse-midwifery in the United States was established in the 1920's. Certified Nurse-Midwives are skilled as primary healthcare providers for women.
What types of care do midwives provide?
While midwives are probably best known for their care of women during pregnancy and childbirth, they serve women throughout their lifetime. Midwives provide individualized care guided by evidence-based practices that have been tested and proven successful. Midwifery healthcare includes pregnancy and birth, primary care, and gynecologic care.
"Prenatalvisits with your midwife include monitoring your health and the health of your baby using current technology and laboratory tests as indicated. Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and health education, a combination that is perfect for most pregnant women. Midwives provide family-centered care that focuses on maintaining health and helping women make informed decisions about their health. Midwives take the time to listen to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Duringlabor, your midwife evaluates your progress, helps you give birth, and offers emotional support. Your midwife will help you make choices that are best for you, including options for pain management. Postpartum care begins immediately after birth as your midwife examines the newborn, provides advice on breastfeeding and infant care, and helps you adjust to your new role as a mother." (ACNM)
"Annual examinations with a midwife include a complete health history, physical examination, and a thorough assessment that is shared with you. Screening and prevention services include annual exams, vaccinations, and referrals for mammography, laboratory testing, or specialist consultants as needed. Midwives manage common health problems and prescribe medications as needed. Your midwife can provide you with current information about immunizations and the control of communicable diseases such as flu, hepatitis or HPV. Your midwife will help you prevent health problems and assist you in developing and maintaining healthy habits throughout life." (ACNM)
"Midwives offer sensitive, confidential, and personal gynecologic care. Midwives provide Pap tests, diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract infections, management of incontinence, HIV screening, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and other gynecologic services. Midwives explain and prescribe birth control methods, including oral contraceptives, IUDs, injectible contraceptives, implantable contraceptives and others. Midwives are advocates for patient choice. Your midwife can offer counseling on natural family planning and permanent sterilization methods. Midwives also provide fertility counseling and referral to other health care providers as needed." (ACNM)
Is midwifery care covered by insurance carriers?
Private insurance carriers, Medicare, and Medicaid cover midwifery care, as well as many managed care programs and military and federal employee health plans. Contact your individual insurance companies for explanation of benefits and coverage.