If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, one of the first decisions you will need to make concerns the type of health care you will receive. While many women seek the services of a traditional obstetrician, certified nurse midwives are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. Certified nurse midwives are trained to provide women with a personalized experience throughout their pregnancy, labor and delivery, the post-partum period and beyond.
Definition
A midwife nurse or certified nurse midwife is a health care professional whose practice focuses solely on women's reproductive health. According to Citizens for Midwifery, a nurse midwife works closely with her patients and their families to offer individualized care, education and support before, during and after pregnancy. In instances where a nurse midwife is unable to provide care, it is her obligation to refer the patient to a licensed obstetrician.
History
The practice of midwifery in the U.S. dates back to the early 17th century. According to Midwifery Today, midwifery was common in colonial America. As medical schools and hospitals were formed, the professional role of women as midwives began to evolve. In the mid-1920s, the first nurse-midwifery schools were formed in the U.S. to serve populations isolated by geography, poverty, language, culture or race. In 1955, the American College of Nurse-Midwives was formed. The ACNM estimates that up to 10% of births today are attended by nurse midwives.
Education and Training
Certified nurse midwives are registered nurses who are also educated in midwifery. According to Explore Health Careers, you must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to seek licensure as a certified nurse midwife. You must also complete an accredited degree program in midwifery and successfully complete a certification exam. Explore Health Careers also notes that beginning in 2010, a graduate degree will be required for a career in clinical practice.
Midwife Duties
Midwives aid women in different ways. According to Citizens for Midwifery, nurse midwives follow a model of care that outlines the scope of their duties. Nurse midwives are expected to monitor the physical, psychological and social well-being of patients, provide patients with education and care during pregnancy, delivery and post-childbirth, and minimize technological interventions. Nurse midwives can also offer contraceptive counseling, gynecological exams, newborn care and menopausal care.
Benefits of Using a Midwife
There are a number of benefits for using a midwife as opposed to an obstetrician. According to the American Pregnancy Association, nurse midwives can offer you a more natural birthing experience, whether or not you choose to deliver at home or in a hospital. Since the scope of care is so broad, a nurse midwife can offer a more personal experience. Additional benefits include lower cost of care, reduced need for cesarean section or other intervention methods, and fewer complications during recovery.
