What is a midwife?
This information comes from the Cleveland Clinic (see references below).
What is a midwife?
“Midwives are healthcare providers who deal with pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care and postpartum health. Midwives are usually not physicians. They often work alongside obstetricians and gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) in a hospital to ensure you have access to any care you need. A midwife is recommended when your pregnancy is low-risk or if you have only mild complications.”
Some advantages of using a midwife are:
Less chance of induction or assisted delivery.
Less chance of cesarean birth.
Reduced use of epidurals or medication.
Less risk of third and fourth-degree perineal tears.
More flexibility for home births.
You have greater control over your care.
“A certified nurse midwife can practice at hospitals, clinics, birth centers or your home. Midwives who are not certified are limited in where they can practice. It depends on their credentials, certifications, schooling and where they practice. It’s best to ask your midwife what credentials they have and ask your hospital or birth center what the regulations are for midwife care. Certified midwives and certified nurse midwives can offer the most services. Midwives who aren’t certified offer fewer services.”
Some of the health services a midwife may provide include:
Prenatal appointments and routine pregnancy monitoring
Ultrasounds and prenatal blood work
Educate on nutrition, lactation, fertility and other aspects of reproductive health
Birth control and family planning
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs): “CNMs have completed nursing school and have a graduate degree in midwifery. In addition to pregnancy care and delivery, they can provide general reproductive care, prescribe medication, order lab tests and diagnose conditions. They’re qualified to work in hospitals, homes and birth centers. CNMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Most midwives aren’t doctors, although some earn doctorates in nursing practice. Midwives didn’t attend medical school and can’t provide all of the same services as an Ob/Gyn. They can’t treat high-risk pregnancies or complications during delivery. Midwives will refer people to Ob/Gyns if their pregnancy or birthing experience becomes complicated or high-risk. Obstetricians can manage complications using medical or surgical interventions that aren’t available to midwives.”
Certified midwives (CMs): “CMs have a master’s degree in midwifery, except they haven’t completed nursing school. CMs have an undergraduate degree in something other than nursing. They’re certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and can prescribe medications. CMs are only licensed to practice in a few states. Some midwives can prescribe epidurals, but midwives can’t give epidurals. They consult with an anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Anesthesia providers are typically available in hospital settings only.”
Certified professional midwives (CPMs): “CPMs work at birth centers or homes. They have completed coursework and are certified by the North American Registry of Midwives. CPMs aren’t licensed to practice in all states and can’t prescribe medications.”
Unlicensed or lay midwives: “These midwives don’t have certification or a license to practice. They are either self-taught or have received some other type of training which could include an apprenticeship. Unlicensed midwives work almost exclusively in homes. If you decide to use a midwife, we recommend finding one who’s licensed and certified to practice in your state.”
References
professional, C. C. medical. (2023, May 2). What is a midwife? when to see one & what to expect. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22648-midwife