
Certified Nurses Midwife
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?

Will you only deliver at the hospital?

How do I schedule an appointment with the midwife?
Related Blog Posts
Common Complications During Pregnancy
The majority of pregnancies occur without any serious issues. However, some women will experience complications during pregnancy that can involve their health, baby’s health, or both. Diseases or conditions the mother had before becoming pregnant can sometimes lead to...
Tips for Good Prenatal Care
Every year the CDC receives reports of women who died as a result of a pregnancy-related complication. The yearly number is around 500, and they estimate that there are probably another 500 additional deaths that are not identified as being pregnancy-related. The CDC...
What is Lightning Crotch? Dealing with Round Ligament Pain
Round ligament pain or “lightning crotch” is a brief, sharp pain in the lower belly, pelvis, or groin area on one or both sides. It’s one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. However, this discomfort is considered a normal part of pregnancy as your body...
Get to Know Samantha Corral, Certified-Nurse Midwife
A certified nurse midwife (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...
Symptoms of Miscarriage and Risks You Need to Know
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, yet because miscarriage is common, it helps to be informed about the symptoms and risks, in the unfortunate event that you find yourself or someone you know experience. Miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss, according...
Hyperprolactinemia – What is it?
When you have too much of prolactin in your blood, you can develop hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, an organ the size of a pencil eraser at the base of the brain. The hormone plays a crucial role in breast development during...