7 Benefits Of Using A Certified Nurse Midwife

As women, taking charge of our health and well-being is essential. And when it comes to our reproductive health, using a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) for our childbirth experience helps ensure we receive comprehensive, compassionate and personalized care. As advanced practice nurses, CNMs provide complete healthcare services to women of any age, focusing on pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum (after-delivery) care.

“Many women and couples choose to partner with a Certified Nurse Midwife because they offer personalized care,” said Kate Marshall, a certified nurse midwife who chooses to practice at Franciscan Health. “Nurse midwives tend to spend a little bit longer with each person, which helps build a strong partnership. Midwives provide evidence-based education and support, make recommendations using best practices and empower expectant mothers to make their own healthcare decisions.”

Nurse midwives can prescribe medications and are certified by the American Midwifery Certification. Each nurse midwife maintains their licenses and accreditation with continuous education to ensure they understand the most up-to-date medical offerings in women’s health.

Marshall offers seven benefits of partnering with a certified nurse midwife for prenatal care:

1. Holistic And Personalized Care

Certified nurse midwives take a holistic approach to care and consider your physical well-being and emotional and social needs. They provide personalized care unique to you, your values, and your preferences. They listen to your concerns, answer your questions and work collaboratively with you to develop a complete plan matching your goals.

2. Excellent Collaboration With Physicians

Certified nurse midwives provide similar prenatal care to that offered by a physician. Although CNMs are not surgeons and do not perform C-sections, they often assist during these procedures. Collaboration with doctors is essential to their practice, especially when a patient develops a high-risk condition. This dynamic allows women who choose a nurse midwife to experience a warm and compassionate presence while also having access to medical expertise when it is required — the best of both worlds.

3. Expertise In Women’s Health

Certified nurse midwives have advanced training and expertise in women’s health. They can provide a wide range of services, from the time of your first period, through childbirth, past menopause, to the end of life. CNMs offer well-woman care – an annual exam that includes a breast and a pelvic exam, a pap smear if needed and an examination. During that visit, they can also discuss yeast infections, urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections.

In addition to routine screenings, certified nurse midwives also specialize in prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, family planning and primary healthcare. Whether you’re planning for pregnancy, experiencing menstrual irregularities or needing preventive screenings, CNMs can address your needs.

4. Comprehensive Prenatal Care

Pregnancy is a transformative journey; having a knowledgeable and compassionate partner by your side can make a difference. Certified nurse midwives can provide complete prenatal care, including regular check-ups, monitoring fetal development, ordering and interpreting tests, monitoring blood pressure and offering guidance on nutrition, exercise and preparing for childbirth. With a certified nurse midwife, you can expect personalized attention and evidence-based care throughout your pregnancy.

5. Supportive And Empowering Birth Experiences

Nurse midwives are passionate about supporting women during childbirth. They offer continuous emotional and physical support, promoting a positive and empowering birth experience. CNMs also provide several pain management options, including non-medicine methods such as breathing exercises, massage and position changes. During childbirth, your choices and preferences are their priority, and they foster an environment where you can actively participate in decision-making.

6. Positive Outcomes

Research shows working with a certified nurse midwife can improve your chances of a positive, natural childbirth as well as the health and safety of you and your baby. A nurse midwife can help:

• Decrease your risk of needing a C-section
• Reduce your need for induced labor
• Reduce the use of regional anesthesia like an epidural
• Decrease infant mortality rates

7. Postpartum Care And Beyond

The care from a certified nurse midwife doesn’t end with the birth of your baby. They provide comprehensive care after your delivery, ensuring a smooth transition into motherhood. Nurse midwives offer breastfeeding support, address any postpartum concerns or complications and monitor your physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, they continue to provide primary healthcare services for women throughout their lives as their children grow up and their needs change.

Are you ready to experience the exceptional care and empowering support of a Certified Nurse Midwife? Choose the best of both worlds – personalized, compassionate care backed by medical expertise. Trust in the expertise of nurse midwives, known for their decreased infant mortality rates and lower risk of preterm birth. Take the first step toward ensuring exceptional women’s healthcare by scheduling an appointment with a Certified Nurse Midwife today.