What does a nurse-midwife do?
Midwifery is not new in medicine, but is playing a growing role in pre and postnatal
care. A certified nurse-midwife provides "well-woman" gynecological services, individual
care for women through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum. Additionally,
many nurse midwives provide primary care for women throughout their life cycle.
What's the difference between a nurse-midwife and a physician?
A certified nurse-midwife is a licensed independent practitioner. During the course
of the pregnancy the nurse midwife provides family centered care with longer appointment
times and educational opportunities, which are unique in the obstetrics setting.
The nurse-midwife works in close consultation with the obstetricians in the event that there are any significant abnormalities.
Additionally the nurse mid-wife functions as the first assist in the operating room
should a cesarean section become necessary, thus ensuring a seamless transition
to the operative obstetric experience.
Don't nurse-midwives provide "natural" or "at-home" childbirth?
While that is the traditional view of midwives, Innovis Health's certified nurse-midwives
provide in-hospital childbirth in a home like environment, so that mothers and babies
have all the medical support they need should any problems arise, while maintaining
a more personal and relaxing environment.
Back to: Women's Clinic
Certified Nurse-Midwives in ND
Certified nurse-midwives (CNM's) have been practicing in North Dakota since 1987. There are currently 6 CNM's in North Dakota:
- Fargo - 3
- Minot - 2
- Dickinson - 1
In 2000, North Dakota CNM's attended approximately 490 births. These births account for
4.74 percent of the 10,323 births in the state for that year.
All births attended by CNM's in North Dakota occurred in hospitals.
More Information
If you have a question you would like to ask a midwife, please visit:
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