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Nursing professionMore about CNMs and CMsCertified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) must graduate from an accredited education program and pass a rigorous certification exam. Because of the high standards established for education and certification, CNMs are licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They are experts, held to the rigorous standards of practice set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and by state licensing organizations. In addition, they attend continuing education programs offered by hospitals, universities, and the ACNM. A certified midwife (CM) is an individual educated in the discipline of midwifery, who also possesses evidence of certification according to the requirements of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Like CNMs, the CM provides primary health care to women of childbearing age including: prenatal care, labor and delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, newborn care, assistance with family planning decisions, preconception care, menopausal management and counseling in health maintenance and disease prevention. Certified midwives (CMs) meet the same rigorous standards of practice as CNMs. Making sound decisions is a very important part of good health care, and CNMs/CMs want you to take an active role in making the right decisions for you and your family. The nurse-midwifery philosophy of care "is focused on the needs of the individual and family for physical care, emotional and social support and active involvement of significant others according to cultural values and personal preferences." When you seek sensitive, confidential, personal and professional gynecological (GYN) care from a nurse-midwife-like reaching out for support from a best friend-you will experience high quality of care. Today's CNM and CM is a skilled health care professional who provides primary health care to women. This includes evaluation, assessment, treatment, and referral to a specialist, if required. CNMs and CMs emphasize health promotion, education, and disease prevention. Care-giving by CNMs and CMs includes preconception counseling, care during pregnancy and childbirth, normal gynecological services, and care of the peri- and post-menopausal woman. With health education as a primary focus, CNMs and CMs help prevent problems and assist women in developing and maintaining good health habits.
Certified Nurse-Midwives Provide Quality Care"The quality of CNM care is equivalent to physicians' care within their area of competence. Further, they are better than physicians at providing services which depend on communication with patients and preventive action." The Medical University of South Carolina Twin Clinic study demonstrated a lower rate of very early pre-term births, very low birthweight infants, neonatal intensive care admissions, and perinatal mortality in a CNM directed clinic where CNM care is given when compared to a MD directed team where MD care is given. This demonstrated that the contribution of CNMs to high-risk prenatal care can be considerable.
Other midwivesThroughout history, the ancient word, midwife, has been used to describe women who are "with women" at birth. Contemporary usage associates this word with a philosophy of care that focuses on the needs of the woman, offers a variety of options and minimizes unnecessary intervention. CNMs and CMs blend the supportive care women have come to expect with the scientific knowledge needed for safe practice, which includes close collaboration with the medical community and has grown to encompass well woman care. Today, the overwhelming majority of midwives are either CNMs or CMs. Still, a variety of titles are used to label midwifery practice so it can be confusing for consumers who want to determine just what qualifications have been met by midwives. The ACNM believes that, all midwives should graduate from an accredited midwifery education program that is affiliated with an institution of higher education. All CNMs and CMs have earned at least a bachelor's degree, while over 70% hold a master's degree or higher. ACNM also believes that midwives should be licensed to practice and should provide their clients with a safe mechanism for consultation, collaboration and referral if needed. Because standards for the education and practice of midwifery may vary, we urge consumers to carefully evaluate credentials. Look for well-educated experts who provide direct access to medical care if needed.
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