Nurse Midwife Services
What is a nurse midwife?
CNMs are advanced practice nurses with specialized training in women’s health, pregnancy care, and labor and delivery and are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. They are independently licensed providers who work in collaboration with OBGYN physicians and the care team.
Read the Blog: Is a nurse midwife right for me?
What do nurse midwives do?
The role of a nurse midwife is wide-ranging, from pregnancy to well-woman care.
Pregnancy Care
When you choose to work with a nurse midwife for your pregnancy, you can expect extended support and education, and care that is centered on your choices, goals and lifestyle, including traditional and nontraditional delivery. Many women who work with a nurse midwife say they feel more heard, involved, and confident in their care.
A nurse midwife will be with you during labor and delivery at an area hospital, guiding you through the experience and offering pain management options if needed. Services include:
- Pre-conception counseling
- Routine monitoring of your pregnancy
- Pregnancy education and counseling
- Ultrasounds and blood work
- Support during labor and delivery. Our nurse midwives deliver babies at Maple Grove Hospital, and M Health/Fairview Southdale and Ridges hospitals
- Postpartum care and lactation support
Well-woman Care
CNMs also provide a range of women’s health care services, from the teens through adulthood. These services include:
- Annual exams/well-woman care
- Problem-focused health concerns, such as vaginal infections or urinary tract infections
- Pre-conception counseling and birth control
- Patient education
- Medication prescription, ordering/interpreting labs and diagnostic tests
- Promotion of healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and wellness counseling.
How do OBGYN doctors and nurse midwives work together?
Our nurse midwives work closely with OBGYN physicians. If complications arise or specialized care is needed, our midwives assure a seamless hand-off to a physician — so you’re always in good hands, 24/7.
Understanding Risks: Who Should Not Use a Nurse Midwife?
If you have a complex medical condition or are considered high-risk for pregnancy, you will be referred to our OBGYN physicians.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- What is the difference between an OBGYN doctor and a nurse midwife?
- What is the difference between a nurse midwife and a doula?
- Can I work with a nurse midwife throughout my pregnancy?
- Do midwives perform surgery?
- Do you perform at home births?
- Do you perform water births?
- Are midwives covered by insurance?
Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Midwifery Services
If you are pregnant and would like to have a midwife care for you, reach out to your Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota provider to discuss your pregnancy plan. We are here to support the health of you and your baby throughout your pregnancy.