Nurse Midwife

In the United States, a Certified Nurse-Midwife ("CNM") is an advanced practice registered nurse who has specialized education and training in both Nursing and Midwifery. CNMs function as primary healthcare providers for women and most often provide medical care for relatively healthy women, whose birth is considered uncomplicated and not "high risk," as well as their neonate. Certified Nurse-Midwives, in most states, are required to possess a minimum of a graduate degree such as the Master of Science in Nursing, or Post-Master's Certificate. By 2010, all Certified Nurse Midwives will be required to hold a graduate (Masters) degree. Most recently, the first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has become available for Certified Nurse-Midwives and will graduate its first class in May 2010. Additionally, Certified Nurse Midwives must also hold an active Registered Nurse license in the state in which they practice. Certified Nurse Midwives practice in hospitals and medical clinics, and may also deliver in birthing centers and attend at-home births. They are able to prescribe some medications, treatments, medical devices, therapeutic and diagnostic measures, et al. in all 50 states. CNMs, while their specific scope of practice will vary depending on which state they are licensed to practice, in most states they provide medical care to women from puberty through menopause, including care for their newborn (neonatology), antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and nonsurgical gynecological care. In some states, CNMs may also provide care to the male partner, in areas of sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive health, of their female patients. Certified Nurse Midwives may work closely, or in collaboration, with an Obstetrician & Gynecologist, who provides consultation and/or assistance to patients who develop complications or have complex medical histories or disease(s). Often, women with high risk pregnancies can receive the benefits of midwifery care from a Certified Nurse Midwife in collaboration with a physician. Currently 2% of nurse-midwives are men. The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) accredits Certified Nurse-Midwifery education programs and serves as the national specialty society for the nation's Certified Nurse Midwives. Midwife means "with woman" and thus is the mantra for the ACNM, "With women for a lifetime". The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) estimates that soon, one in ten babies in the U.S. will be delivered by certified nurse-midwives.

It is known that more than two-thirds of births are being delivered by midwives worldwide.