03/26/2019
What is a nurse-midwife?
A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who has Master’s degree in Nursing, specializing in midwifery and women’s health. Nurse-midwives are board-certified experts in pregnancy and childbirth across a spectrum of normal. They prioritize building relationships with you and your partner based on trust, care and respect. To maintain their certification, midwives adhere to the rigorous practice standards set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
What does a nurse-midwife do?
Nurse-midwives can care for women as they begin and end their reproductive lives. They assist with family planning and contraception, routine gynecologic care, care during your pregnancy, labor, delivery and your postpartum period, and peri-menopausal support. They specialize in low-intervention birth, trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), postpartum care and breastfeeding.
Our nurse-midwives can care for you regardless of what method of pain control you choose during your labor. They work closely with your partner and doula, if you choose, to support you during your labor and delivery. They can order medications to induce your labor if necessary or to augment your labor if you need it.
Nurse-midwives work closely with our team of physicians and can seamlessly bring a doctor into your care if the need arises. In many cases, patients can continue care with a midwife and a physician. For example if a cesarean section is required, one of our physicians will perform the surgery but our nurse-midwives can be there to assist.
Why would I choose a nurse-midwife for care during my pregnancy?
Midwives view pregnancy and birth as normal life events that can be a healthy time in your life. Midwives are experts in knowing the difference between normal changes that occur and symptoms that require extra attention. Midwives specialize in providing support and education in addition to regular health care. They use evidence-based medical procedures when there is a specific concern for the health of you or your baby, and they work in partnership with the Sutter physician team. Midwives offer health care that respects the goals and choices of each individual woman and family.
Who can see a nurse-midwife?
Almost anyone! If during your visit or at some point during your pregnancy, the care of a physician is required, your midwife will facilitate this process and can usually remain a part of your care team. Midwives believe in evidence-based care for the whole family, and in your right to informed consent and shared decision-making with your team of providers. We hope you will find your care with a midwife an empowering and informative experience.
Who is NOT a candidate for midwife-only care?
Several high-risk conditions necessitate having an OB/GYN physician as your primary provider. Examples include pre-existing diabetes, multiples (i.e. twins), chronic high blood pressure requiring medication treatment, certain auto-immune conditions, or preterm labor. In many cases a CNM can still be a part of your care team. If you are unsure if you good candidate for midwifery care, please discuss further with your provider at your next appointment.
