The term “midwife” means “with woman.” Derived from Old English, “mid” means “with” and “wif” means “woman.” When asked what a nurse-midwife is, I reply, “it is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who can also deliver babies.” Indeed, both professions use the same study book for their certification exams. In general, we provide care to women from puberty throughout menopause. We can do it all, from prescribing birth control for contraception or irregular vaginal bleeding to delivering babies to prescribing hormone replacement therapy for menopause. We are experts in low-risk pregnancies. OBs are better providers for high-risk pregnancies. We collaborate (share) the responsibility for moderate-risk patients. The only time we care for males is when it involves treating a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
There are several types of midwives. In the United States, there are three different types recognized - 1. Certified Nurse-Midwives, 2. Certified Midwives, and 3. Certified Professional Midwives. In addition to those listed, there are traditionally Midwives, also known as Lay Midwives or Granny Midwives. Long before obstetrics and gynecology were professions, granny midwives or lay midwives attended all deliveries and took care of the woman during the postpartum period.
Certified Nurse-Midwives start with a nursing degree, then obtain a master’s degree in midwifery. We must pass a certification test and become licensed as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Some CNMs practice in the hospital, some outside the hospital, and some in both settings.
Certified Midwives & Certified Professional Midwives are considered direct-entry midwives. They train to deliver care in “out of the hospital” settings. Certified Midwives are non-nursing professionals who obtain a master’s degree in midwifery. Just like CNMs, they must pass the same certification test. Certified Professional Midwives must take a different certification exam. They follow a different path for education and training. The ability of CPMs to practice as providers varies by state.
We all have in common that we strive to provide the midwifery model of care (MMOC). The MMOC is all about the client. It is a form of personalized care and support that promotes natural childbirth. Interventions are kept to a minimum. Usually, interventions are medically indicated and are a shared decision between the midwife and the client if interventions are utilized. Midwives help decrease the risk of primary c-sections by being more hands-on and available with clients. Although, I have worked with a few OB/GYNs who were terrific and truly all about their patient’s needs and desires. Ultimately, you may experience a midwife who practices with the medical model of care (many interventions). You may experience an OB/GYN who provides the experience that their patient desires. It boils down to the PASSION within the PROVIDER.
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