Midwifery: Certified nurse-midwives
Have you ever wondered what the term “midwife” means? Midwife means ‘with women.’ The role of a certified nurse midwife is to connect with women during crucial, life-changing moments. This includes not only pregnancy, but also other women’s health needs, too. Here are some facts about this specialty:
- Certified nurse-midwives are advanced practice, licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in women’s reproductive health, including primary care.
- CNMs focus on pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum care and also provide compassion and emotional support for patients. It can take up to eight years to become a CNM: four years for a bachelor’s degree, one year of nursing experience and three years in a nurse-midwifery program. In addition, CNMs complete 600 hours of clinical, hands-on training outside the classroom.
- CNMs work in inpatient and outpatient settings for regular visits and can admit and discharge maternity patients from the hospital before and after delivery.
Beacon CNMs also connect you to pediatricians before your child is even born. They can refer you to pediatric specialists, including pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, sleep specialists, endocrinologists, behavior and development specialists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, child psychologists, pediatric dietitians and more.
Why should I see a Beacon CNM for my pregnancy?
Beacon provides maternity care from start to finish in certified Level I, II and III maternity centers. This sets Beacon apart. While the midwifery model of care approaches pregnancy and birth as normal, healthy events, our CNMs have the resources to collaborate with OB-GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine physicians and neonatologists if the need arises.
A birth experience that’s right for you
We understand that choosing the right care team for the delivery of your child is an important decision. Our certified nurse-midwives start by listening to you, to get to know you. Then, we deliver one-on-one care during pregnancy, labor and delivery, including:
- Woman-centered care
- Emotional support
- Birthing options without epidural, including birthing balls and squat bars
- Breastfeeding education
- Postpartum care
If additional care is needed during pregnancy or birth, OB-GYNs and other specialists are on-site at our women’s hospitals and birthing centers. Our maternity services include advanced care for high-risk pregnancies with access to specialists for mother and baby. Using a nurse-midwife may not be an option in high-risk pregnancies.
Choosing a CNM for women’s health services
Certified nurse-midwives provide primary care to women, so no matter your age, you can receive holistic care. Services they provide include:
- Annual female exams
- Family planning
- Pelvic and breast exam
- Menopause symptom management
- Teen education about body processes
- Well-woman care for minor gynecologic infections and sexually transmitted infections