What is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?
A CNM is a specific kind of Advanced Practice Nurse that specializes in women’s healthcare services. CNMs are licensed, independent health care providers with prescriptive authority in all 50 states. CNMs focus on participating as partners in a woman’s care and generally take a low-intervention, holistic approach to healthcare.
What’s the educational background of a CNM?
CNMs first complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass a licensing exam to become a registered nurse. After successful acquisition of a nursing license, registered nurses may go on to complete a Masters or Doctorate of Nursing Practice. While completing the academic requirements, the nurse logs over 1000 clinical hours in women’s health services and labor/delivery experiences and takes a national certifying exam specific to certified midwives and certified nurse midwives.
Can a Certified Nurse Midwife see me throughout my lifetime?
Of course! CNMs see women across their entire lifespan, much like an OB/GYN physician. A CNM can take care of pap smears, STD screenings, infections, hormone replacement therapy, and many more issues beyond prenatal care and deliveries.
What is the scope of practice of a CNM?
Midwifery as practiced by certified nurse-midwives (CNMs®) and certified midwives (CMs®) encompasses a full range of primary health care services for women from adolescence beyond menopause. These services include primary care, gynecologic and family planning services, preconception care, care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, care of the normal newborn during the first 28 days of life, and treatment of male partners for sexually transmitted infections. (ACNM, 2017)
If I have a CNM, can I have an epidural or pain medicine during labor?
You can absolutely still have pain medication or an epidural in labor if that is what you decide! My job as the midwife is to empower and advocate on my patient’s behalf. Whether you are determined to have a “natural childbirth,” just curious about trying but not necessarily committed to the idea, or certain you want an epidural from the get-go, I am happy to help you achieve the birth experience you are looking for.
Will my insurance cover a CNM?
Yes, all major insurance carriers, including Medicare/Medicaid, cover CNM care the same way they would cover a nurse practitioner.
Will you only deliver at the hospital?
Yes, all deliveries are done at Willow Creek Hospital.
How do I schedule an appointment with the midwife?
Call Creekside Center for Women to schedule with the receptionist and ask for the nurse midwife!