What is a Nurse-Midwife?

The word midwife has been used to describe a woman who is "with women" at birth. An ancient and respected profession, midwifery has provided advice and assistance in childbirth for centuries. Today, the individuals who hold this title are highly educated professionals who work collaboratively with physicians.

A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is an individual educated in the disciplines of nursing and midwifery, and possess evidence of certification according to the requirements of the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM, 1987). Nurse-midwifery practice is the independent management of women's health care, focusing particularly on pregnancy and gynecological needs of well women. The CNM practices within a health care system that provides for consultation, collaborative management or physician referral as indicated by the health status of the client.

The certified nurse-midwives at All Children's OB/GYN Specialists provide services for healthy women in the areas of:

• Pre-conception care
• Prenatal care
• Labor and birth management
• Postpartum care

Why see a Nurse-Midwife?

Nurse-Midwives are an appealing option for women who want a more individualized, less routine approach to childbirth. At All Children's OB/GYN Specialists, we focus on helping you learn about the physical and emotional changes you go through during pregnancy, teach you how to maintain good health habits, and consider you an active participant in all aspects of your care. Every pregnancy is a unique event and we encourage you to consider your options for labor and delivery and to personalize your own birth plan. Whatever kind of birth you choose, All Children's OB/GYN Specialists Certified Nurse-Midwives will support you in your decision. Our patients have the option of an epidural during labor; conversely, our midwives will guide you through a non- medicated labor if that is your desire.

However, you do not have to be pregnant or even planning a pregnancy to benefit from midwifery care. Our certified nurse-midwives strive to become partners in the client's healthcare and also provide routine and preventative gynecological care for women from adolescence through menopause, including:

• Routine annual exams (Pap smear, breast exam)
• Family planning
• Treatment for routine gynecological problems (including urinary tract infections and vaginal infections)
• Counseling for adolescents in contraception choices and sexually transmitted infection prevention
• Menopause management including hormone replacement therapy

All Children's OB/GYN Specialists are proud to offer the services of Certified Nurse-Midwives who have extensive experience in the management of pregnancy, labor and delivery and well-women gynecology care.

Learn More about OB/GYN Care at All Children's Hospital >>