What is a Midwife?

 

Midwife literally means “with woman”

Midwifery has existed as long as women have been birthing babies.

Today, midwives attend women in labor and birth all over the world.

A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice nurse who has trained in two disciplines: nursing and midwifery. Most nurse-midwives provide labor and birth services in hospitals, though some attend births in out-of-hospital birth settings.

Recognition of pregnancy, birth and menopause as normal processes Advocacy of non-intervention in the absence of complications Incorporation of scientific evidence of clinical practice Promotion of family centered care Health promotion and education Empowerment of women Facilitation of healthy relationships Continuity of care Promotion of a public health perspective Care to vulnerable populations Advocacy of informed choice, shared decision making and self-determination Cultural competence Familiarity with complementary and alternative therapies Skilful communication and counseling Therapeutic value of human presence Collaboration with other members of the health care team