Midwives Care for Women
Today, more and more women are turning to certified nurse midwives to guide them through their pregnancies, delivery their babies, and provide ongoing gynecological services. Nurse midwives offer professional, personalized care that takes into account the unique physical, social, and spiritual needs of each woman.
Certified nurse-midwives are training in both nursing and midwifery and are certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM). To be certified, a CNM must be formally education through an accredited program, demonstrate clinical competence, and pass a rigorous national certifying exam. Nurse midwives always work in a team relationship with physician and other health professionals.
For the Woman Who Is Pregnant
Midwives are an appealing option for women who want an individualized approach to childbirth. They focus on helping you learn about the physical and emotional changes you go through during your pregnancy. The midwife regularly monitors the health of a woman and her baby throughout pregnancy through regular prenatal visits. Women who develop complications are cared for in collaboration with a physician. The nurse midwife will guide you through a non-medicated labor if that’s what you choose, but you still have the option of an epidural during labor. The nurse midwife is capable of performing all necessary procedures for a normal vaginal delivery.
For the Woman Who Is Not Pregnant
Certified nurse midwives provide regular gynecological services such as annual pelvic examinations, pap smears, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, and breast examinations. Nurse midwives also provide services such as prescribing birth control, treating minor gynecologic conditions, and providing teaching on a variety of health topics.