Nurse Midwives

About the Role

Nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in providing prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care to pregnant individuals, along with gynecological and family planning services.

Other Common Titles

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Midwifery Advanced Practice Nurse
Certified Midwife (CM)
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Typical Tasks

Conduct prenatal assessments and monitor fetal growth and development.
Assist with labor and delivery, providing support and care during childbirth.
Perform postnatal care, including physical assessments and counseling for new parents.
Provide education on family planning and reproductive health options.
Conduct gynecological examinations and screenings.
Develop care plans tailored to the needs of each patient.
Collaborate with obstetricians and other healthcare professionals when higher-risk situations arise.
Support patients emotionally and physically through the birthing process.

Notable People

Ina May Gaskin – A pioneering nurse midwife and author known for her advocacy of midwifery and natural childbirth.
Barbara Hartke – A notable nurse midwife known for her contributions to nursing education and midwifery practice standards.

Recommended Resources

The Midwives Handbook for Birth Settings
A comprehensive guide for midwives working in various birth settings.
Midwifery Today
A magazine and online resource covering midwifery care, education, and research.
The Birth Hour Podcast
A podcast featuring stories from mothers, midwives, and birth professionals discussing the birth process.
American College of Nurse-Midwives
The official website of the organization that represents nurse-midwives and promotes quality health care for women.