A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice nurse educated in the disciplines of nursing and midwifery. A CNM has a Masters Degree, graduating from an educational program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. CNM's must pass a national certification examination and meet strict requirements by the state. They are also required to obtain continuing education to be knowledgeable in the most current midwifery, obstetrical and gynecological information and procedures to best service and educate their clients.

Certified nurse midwives have prescriptive authority in the state of Maryland and are able to provide their clients with written prescriptions as needed. CNM's obtain continuing education in Pharmacology to keep well informed on the most current information on medications available for their client's use.

Where do Nurse-midwives practice ?

Nurse-midwifery care is available throughout the USA and around the world. Most CNM's are employed by a hospital or a medical practice. While some CNM's attend homebirths, most of the births occur in hospitals and birth centers. Midwifery Care Associates is a private practice and deliver at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital's Birthing Center.

What does a nurse-midwife do ?

A certified nurse midwife is a health care provider for women. At Midwifery Care Associates we provide continuum of care focusing on maintaining health and encouraging women to make informed decisions about their health care. As certified nurse midwives we maintain privacy and responsibility for our clients; we collaborate with a physician for a specific problem. We will also collaborate with a physician so that a client is in the joint care of both professionals, and we will make referals to a physician for certain aspects of their care.

 Why should I choose a nurse-midwife?

Women want to know that we will be heard, and that their fears, dreams, opinions, and desires will be accepted, addressed, and honored. Unfortunately, many women feel they are not given the time or information to fully participate in shaping their childbirth experience according to their individual needs and desires.

The term "midwife" means "with woman." CNM's offer women special skills and understanding of their unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs. They provide safe, personalized health care to meet women's health care needs throughout their lifetime. When choosing a certified nurse-midwife to assist in the birth of your baby, your family and partner are invited to become involved in your prenatal care and the birthing process at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.

Nurse-midwifery care is woman-centered and based on the philosophy that health care should be safe and satisfying. CNM's make every effort to respect the human dignity of their clients. They are committed to promoting self-determination, the right to obtain complete information about their care and enhancing the normal process of pregnancy and birth through education and supportive intervention. While CNM's are qualified to administer drugs, perform medical procedures and provide their clients with other technological interventions, they rely on technology only when it is medically necessary. As a result, women who are under the care of a certified nurse-midwife are less likely to have a cesarean section or an episiotomy. CNM's provide primary care, labor and birth, care after birth, gynecological care, assistance with family planning decisions, preconceptional counseling, peri-menopausal and menopausal management, and counseling in health maintenance and disease prevention.