Certified Nurse-Midwives

What is a certified nurse-midwife?

A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who is educated in nursing and midwifery and certified through the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

CNMs focus on educating and empowering women to make healthy decisions. We encourage you to ask questions and be actively involved in the care you receive. Your family is welcome to participate in office visits and during labor and birth.

What services do certified nurse-midwives provide?

CNMs provide comprehensive women’s healthcare. They care for you from the early stages of pregnancy, through labor and delivery and into the first phase of postpartum care. CNMs generally deliver babies in a hospital or birth center and not at home.

Your certified nurse-midwife will provide support in a variety of ways:

• Before pregnancy - Talk with you about family planning and offer expert advice for achieving your best possible health before becoming pregnant
• During pregnancy - Provide guidance on nutrition, exercise and planning for your baby’s birth
• During labor - Work with you to reduce the risk of complications by encouraging you and your partner to actively participate in the birthing process
• At delivery - Deliver your baby and provide immediate postpartum care, including helping with breastfeeding
• After birth - Ease your transition into motherhood with follow-up care after you are discharged from the hospital

Certified nurse-midwives also can provide nutrition counseling and well-woman care.

What if I have high-risk factors and need a doctor?

Doctors are available to consult with CNMs 24 hours a day. If you need continuous high-risk care, our doctors can manage your care in the office and the hospital.