What is a midwife and what do they do?

The midwives at Women’s Care are Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), which means they are registered nurses. These nurses completed graduate coursework and clinical training from an accredited education program. Our board-certified midwives guide patients from the prenatal through postpartum phases of pregnancy. CMNs offer holistic, compassionate care that is mindful of the individual.

Throughout a patient’s pregnancy, a midwife may:

• Conduct prenatal exams and order tests
• Give patients information and resources to make informed decisions
• Offer support and advice
• Help prepare for labor and birth
• Look at a baby’s health, growth and position
• Provide emotional support
• Offer advice on nutrition, exercise and staying healthy
• Monitor progress and offer strategies during labor
• Coach you through a natural birth or offer pain relief when necessary
• Get specialized medical attention if needed
• Support new mothers with breastfeeding
• Demonstrate bathing and diaper changing techniques
• Conduct some newborn health screenings

Midwives can offer a personalized health care experience, defined in partnership between a patient and the midwife. Each midwife experience could be unique, depending on the individual.