A certified nurse-midwife is a registered nurse with a Master’s degree in women’s health care and midwifery. Nurse-midwifery care includes:
Prenatal care
Hospital delivery
Newborn baby care
Yearly exams and Pap testing
Birth Control counseling
The word “midwife” means “with woman”. Certified nurse-midwives have time to be with women:
During pregnancy—taking time to answer questions
and to teach
During labor—helping women minimize pain while supporting the labor process
During delivery—to ensure each woman has a joyful
birth experience
During recovery—supporting parenting and breastfeeding
During a lifetime—providing well woman care with
well-woman care
Nurse-midwives consider birth a natural event in women’s lives and view childbirth as a healthy, normal process. They intervene in this process only when it is clearly needed. With the support of the nurse-midwife, women avoid the unnecessary risks, discomforts, and disruptions that unnecessary procedures impose, yet have the opportunity to use technology when needed. Labor epidurals are available if needed or desired. National research shows that nurse-midwives have reduced cesarean section rates and have lower rates of induced labor and episiotomies with no compromise in safety. Currently, nearly 10% of women in the United States choose nurse-midwives as their maternity care providers. More and more women are enjoying the personal attention and time certified nurse-midwives offer.
One mother wrote, “Thank you for making my pregnancy and my birth so wonderful. I never thought it could be so much fun. You always made me feel so calm - it was truly an amazing experience - I can’t wait for the next time around! I have a whole new outlook.”
Nurse-midwives consider birth a natural event in women’s lives and view childbirth as a healthy, normal process. They intervene in this process only when it is clearly needed.
