What Does It Mean to Be A CNM?

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who pursue advanced education and certification to fulfill their passion for women's gynecological health, as well as prenatal and postnatal care. Premier Health recognizes CNMs as highly trained medical professionals who provide valuable women’s health care services.

Carla King, MSN, CNM, Lifestages Centers for Women, explains more about what it means to be a CNM:

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?

A Certified Nurse Midwife is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who specializes in the care of women through all life stages – from adolescence through menopause – by providing well woman care and birth control, as well as care through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

How is the role of a Certified Nurse Midwife unique?

Certified Nurse Midwives play a unique role in optimizing the childbirth experience. For most women with healthy pregnancies, childbirth is a normal, natural, physiologic process that requires little intervention. The midwifery philosophy of care includes prenatal education and counseling, which enables women to make informed choices for their best birth experience. We provide support through labor for women choosing an unmedicated birth, but are also able to offer multiple pain relief options and increased intervention as women desire or as their needs during labor change.

What makes a great Certified Nurse Midwife?

Characteristics that make a great midwife include the ability to listen – listening to women, listening to families, listening to babies; supporting women as the primary decision makers in their care; understanding the normal labor process and recognizing the abnormal to intervene judiciously; and being an advocate for women so they feel strong and empowered to make their best informed choices.

What training does it take to become a Certified Nurse Midwife?

To become a CNM, one must first complete nursing school to become a registered nurse and then go on to a complete a master's degree in nursing. Midwifery programs provide classroom, as well as clinical experience in labor and delivery and women's health, which allows students to train with experienced nurse midwives.

How can Premier Health patients access care with a Certified Nurse Midwife?

Patients who are not currently going to an OB/GYN practice that has midwives can visit the PremierHealth.com homepage, click on the “Find A Doctor” link, and search by name, hospital, or specialty (Certified Nurse Midwife) to find a list of all of nurse midwives employed through Miami Valley Hospital, Miami Valley Hospital South, and Atrium Medical Center. When calling to make an appointment, a woman can always request to schedule with a Certified Nurse Midwife for prenatal or well woman care.