The role of a midwife has evolved immensely in the modern-day healthcare system. Most people believe that midwives assist in childbirth only. However, that’s not true.
Read on to find out more about what a Certified Nurse-Midwife is, what they do, and whether they can prescribe medication or not.
What Does A Certified Nurse-Midwife Do?
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are licensed, independent healthcare practitioners specializing in two disciplines: nursing and midwifery. They mainly provide care to pregnant women, from pregnancy to labor and delivery to postpartum care.
A certified nurse-midwife is trained to perform the following tasks:
- Provide prenatal care and educate women on birth options
- Monitor maternal health and fetal growth
- Create a birth plan and other treatment plans
- Coordinate with and assist medical doctors and specialists
- Assist with breastfeeding and postpartum care
- Treat routine, non-critical health conditions during pregnancy
- Assist in low-intervention labor and pain relief
- Attend natural births and offer delivery coaching
- Order tests and review lab results
- Perform physical examinations on women
Can Certified Nurse-Midwives Care Prescribe Medication?
Yes, midwives believe in minimal intervention and encourage the “less is more” approach when ordering tests and prescribing medication. However, Certified Nurse-Midwives are licensed to prescribe a full range of medications and treatments, including birth control.
They can also order medical tests within their scope of practice and in line with state laws and practice guidelines if needed.
Certified Nurse-Midwives at Willow Birth and Wellness Center
Willow Midwife Center for Birth & Wellness is owned and run by certified nurse-midwives Belinda Hodder and Diane Ortega, offering family-centered care to women of all ages.
We offer a range of services for women, including:
- Annual examination for women, performed gently and thoroughly in a comfortable environment by a trained midwife
- Family planning guidance and services, including hormonal and non-hormonal methods of birth control
- Customized birthing classes for women planning to give birth in their homes, or any other place besides a hospital
- Other classes for childbirth preparation, newborn care, breastfeeding basics, nutrition, pediatric CPR and family safety, baby weaning, and birthing from within.
- Prenatal and postnatal yoga classes for women
- Support groups for new moms to provide them a safe and supportive environment
Our midwives are also trained to provide care for non-serious health conditions, including urinary tract infections, thyroid screening, and sinus infections.
Schedule an appointment with our certified nurse-midwives today!