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For centuries women have turned to midwives for support and assistance during childbirth and for 'women’s mysteries'. The word 'midwife' means 'with woman' and is derived from the old English/German words mitt (with) and wif (woman). Today’s Certified Nurse-Midwife provides care to women across the lifespan. Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are educated in the two disciplines of nursing and midwifery. They are Registered Nurses who have graduated from a nurse-midwifery educational program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). They are 'certified' when they pass a national examination given by the American Midwifery Certification Board, and are licensed as advanced practice nurses in their states to practice nurse-midwifery. All 50 states license CNMs. CNMs provide health care for women, offering an individualized approach to care. Midwifery care includes preconception care, prenatal care, labor & delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, newborn care, family planning and birth control, menopausal care, and counseling in health maintenance and disease prevention. CNMs also provide primary health care. Nurse-midwives listen to women, educate women, and encourage women to take an active role in their healthcare. Nurse-midwives are experts in normal pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period and well women gynecology. Nurse-midwifery care is woman-centered, holistic and based on the philosophy that health care should be safe and satisfying. Nurse-midwives are committed to promoting the health of women through complete and evidence-based information, autonomy in decision-making and support of the normalcy of pregnancy, birth and the many other cycles in the lives of women. Nurse-midwives are qualified to prescribe medications, perform medical procedures and utilize medical technology within their scope of practice, and as medically necessary. Nurse-midwives maintain established relationships with physicians for consultation, collaboration, or referral as needed. Nurse-midwives follow the Standards of care outlined by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. For more information on CNMs: Mymidwife.org In Colorado, CNMs are independent licensed practitioners. There are close to 300 CNMs in our state. 10% of all births in Colorado are attended by CNMs. Most CNM births occur in hospitals, although some nurse-midwives attend births in the home or in a freestanding birth center. Find a CNM near you! Discover the difference when you partner with a Certified Nurse-Midwife for your healthcare!
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