The word midwife has been used for centuries to describe a woman who is "with women" at birth. Historically, the primary role of midwives was to provide care to women during normal pregnancy and delivery. Today, the word indicates a philosophy of care that focusses on the specific needs of women, offers a varietly of options, and minimizes unnecessary intervention.
Many people are still under the impression (misconception) that midwives only deliver babies at home. But over 97% of all births attended by Certified Nurse-Midwives are in hospitals.
Certified Nurse-Midwives are highly educated professionals who work collaboratively with physicians. Paragon Health Associate's CNM's are registered nurses who received advanced training in women's health and midwifery. They have earned master's degrees from an educational institute accredited by the American College of Nurse Midwives, have passed an advanced certification examination, and are licensed by the state.
CNM's write prescriptions and provide a variety of health care services to women. As a primary care provider, midwives are there for prenatal care, labor, delivery, care after birth, gynecological exams, help with family planning decisions, breast exams, preconception care, peri- and post-menopausal management and counseling in disease prevention and helath education to help women develop and maintain good health habits.
Perhaps the best know feature of nurse midwifery is the commitment to facilitating uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. Surprisingly, many women are not aware that for a low risk pregnancy (which most pregnancies are), they may safely choose a midwife as their primary caregiver.
Research consistenly confirms that midwife-assisted low-risk births have significantly lower rates of interventions such as induction of labor, rupture of membranes, episiotomies and cesareans. An independent study determined that infant and newborn deaths were significatnly lower following midwife-assised births.
Midwives approach birth as a normal, natural, healthy life event. As a result, a growing number of American women are placing their trust and birth experiences in the capable hands of midwives.
Next week we will explore reasons to choose a Certified Nurse Midwife.
