Midwifery

What is a midwife?

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice nurse specializing in labor and delivery and gynecological health. A midwife provides women's health services beyond the delivery room, including:

• Prenatal and postpartum care
• Vaginal births
• Breastfeeding support
• Gynecologic care
• Reproductive and sexual health
• Contraception and family planning
• Peri- and postmenopausal care

Why Choose Midwifery?

Midwives can take a more natural approach to childbirth and are a great option for low-risk, healthy pregnancies. According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, benefits of receiving midwifery care include:

• Decreased risk of needing a cesarean
• Reduced rates of labor induction and augmentation
• Reduced use of regional anesthesia
• Decreased infant mortality rates
• Decreased risk of preterm birth
• Decreased third and fourth-degree perineal tears
• Lower costs for both clients and insurers
• Increased chances of having a positive start to breastfeeding
• Increased satisfaction with the quality of care

At JPMC, our midwife works closely alongside board-certified obstetricians if and when high-risk complications arise to ensure peace of mind for both mother and baby.