What does a certified nurse midwife do?
Certified nurse midwives (CNM) provide gynecological care. Midwives focus on pregnancy and birth as normal healthy events. They deliver babies and provide routine well woman care, manage reproductive health, and peri and post menopause services. Things a CNM may do include:
- Primary care services for women
- Sexually transmitted infection diagnosis and treatment
- Handling labor and delivery
- Care for newborns
- Assisting during cesarean sections
- Prenatal exams
- Postnatal exams
- Prescribing medications
- Ordering tests
Can a nurse also be a midwife?
A nurse must have additional training and certification to function as a midwife. However, there are different levels of midwives.
- Certified nurse midwife. A registered nurse that has received additional education and certification to perform as a midwife.
- Certified midwife. A person certified as a midwife but does not have a nursing degree.
- Certified professional midwife. A midwife with experience in home birth or out-of-hospital settings and holds a certification.
CNMs are considered advanced practice nurses. This means they are registered nurses with a minimum of a Master’s degree beyond their registered nurse training.
Is using a certified nurse midwife a good idea?
Using a certified nurse midwife can be a great idea. Studies of CNMs show a high satisfaction rate, lower rates of cesarean section, and fewer neonatal admissions. Women that use a CNM experience the following benefits:
- Lower odds of a cesarean section
- Decreased need for induction or augmentation of labor
- Fewer birth complications
- Less postpartum hemorrhage
- Less endometritis
- Fewer preterm deliveries
- Greater success of a vaginal birth after cesearan
- More likely to breastfeed
Can nurse midwives diagnose?
CNMs are trained and qualified to diagnose and prescribe medications.
Do midwives do ultrasounds?
Midwives may be trained to do ultrasounds. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a screening ultrasound for pregnant women between 18-22 weeks. The American College of Nurse Midwives supports this recommendation.
Do midwives do c-sections?
Midwives do not perform c-sections. However, they can assist an obstetrician during a cesearan section. If your delivery needs to be done by c-section, an obstetrician will be called to perform the operation.
What is better - OBGYN or midwife?
Both professionals have benefits and are qualified to provide care. For low-risk pregnancies without risk of complications, some patients may prefer midwives. Patients with a holistic outlook seeking a more natural approach may find they are most comfortable with a midwife. Plus, midwife services are often more cost-effective than those of an OB-GYN. If you desire a home birth, a midwife is the way to go.
Pregnancies that are considered high-risk will require a cesarean section, or if you have other medical issues, may be better managed by an OB-GYN.
