What a Nurse-Midwife?

A nurse-midwife (CNM) is a licensed healthcare professional who provides primary care to women throughout their lifespan, but specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. CNMs collaborate with patients to provide patient-centered care; manage the care of normal, uncomplicated pregnancies with minimal risk; perform vaginal deliveries; and prescribe certain medications during pregnancy and after childbirth. Like physicians, nurse-midwives complete four years of undergraduate education prior to entering a graduate-level education program. Nurse-midwifery education programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education and typically take from two to three years to complete. Graduates receive a master of science in nursing degree and are then eligible to sit for the national certification examination offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Nurse-midwives are credentialed under a variety of titles in 33 states and are licensed across the country. Nurse-midwives may collaborate with obstetricians/gynecologists and nurse practitioners.