A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certified by the American College of Nures-Midwives. To become a certified nurse midwife, one must graduate from a master’s or higher-level nurse-midwifery education program and pass a national certification exam.

Certified nurse midwives have extensive training in providing comprehensive care to women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and beyond. They work collaboratively with physicians and other health care professionals, offering a holistic approach that supports individuals emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Certified nurse midwives play a vital role in supporting women throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. They are committed to addressing each women’s unique health care needs through personalized obstetrical and gynecological care.

Midwife services include:

• Family planning
• Prenatal care
• Childbirth
• Postpartum care
• Routine well-woman exams
• Contraception counseling
• Education related to childbirth, fertility, nutrition and more

Whether you’ve just discovered you are pregnant or are in the early stages of planning for a family, finding a health care provider who empowers and supports you in your care decisions should be a priority.

A certified nurse midwife (CNM) offers the training and experience to provide comprehensive, personalized care as you prepare for the journey ahead. Here are several reasons to consider a CNM for your pregnancy:

• Holistic Approach: A CNM takes into account your overall well-being, focusing not only on the physical aspects of pregnancy but also on your emotional and mental health, ensuring a well-rounded support system throughout your journey.

• Fewer Interventions: Midwives often emphasize natural childbirth, which can lead to fewer medical interventions during labor and delivery.

• More Time: Certified nurse midwives typically dedicate more time to each patient, providing ample opportunity for discussions, answering questions, and addressing any concerns you may have about your pregnancy and childbirth.

• Shared Decision-Making: A CNM encourages active participation in your care decisions, fostering a collaborative relationship where your preferences and values are respected and integrated into your birth plan.

• Emotional Support: Midwives are known for offering continuous emotional support during pregnancy and labor, which can help alleviate anxiety and create a more positive birthing experience.

• Gynecological Care: In addition to maternity care, certified nurse midwives provide comprehensive gynecological services, ensuring that your overall reproductive health is managed effectively throughout your life stages.

According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, benefits of receiving midwifery care for your pregnancy journey include:

• Lower risk of cesarean delivery
• Reduced rates of labor induction
• Lower risk of preterm birth
• Enhanced likelihood of a positive breastfeeding experience
• Greater satisfaction with the quality of care received

The term “doula” comes from the Greek meaning “female helper.” Doulas have no formal medial training; instead, they are trained to offer emotional, mental and physical support during labor and delivery, helping to upload your birth plan preferences.

In contrast, a certified nurse midwife possesses extensive medical training and offers comprehensive care throughout a woman’s pregnancy, including prenatal care, childbirth and postpartum support.

Texas Health Allen is rethinking maternity care with a unique approach led by our highly trained team of certified nurse midwives on the medical staff available 24/7. We want you to feel empowered to actively participate in your care decisions throughout the labor and birth process, closely collaborating with you to support your birth plan preferences. Our goal is to help you achieve the birth experience you desire while ensuring your safety and comfort in a setting designed to feel like home.

Our amenities and services include:

• Certified nurse midwives available 24/7, supported by OB/GYNs
• Labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum all take place in one of our spacious privates suites designed to comfortably accommodate families
• A range of pain management options and labor and support tools are available, including laboring in water and aromatherapy
• A celebratory meal for you and your support person after baby’s arrival
• Level II NICU available for any additional care your infant may need after birth

There is no single “best” choice for managing pain during labor, as each individual’s needs are unique. It’s important to educate yourself about your options. The pain management options available at Texas Health Allen include:

• Water Therapy: Laboring in warm water can help lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention. It also alleviates tension in the shoulders and back, making it particularly beneficial for those experiencing back pain during labor.

• IV Medication: Various medications can be administered via IV during labor. These medications affect your entire nervous system and may provide relief, though they might not completely eliminate pain.

• Epidurals: An epidural can significantly reduce pain from contractions and during vaginal delivery. This regional anesthetic numbs the lower half of your body while allowing you to remain awake and alert to experience the birth of your baby.

• Aromatherapy: Certain essential oils have been shown to promote relaxation, reduce nausea, and alleviate headaches, all of which can enhance your labor experience by decreasing the perception of pain.

Yes, you can still receive an epidural if a certified nurse midwife is delivering your baby. Midwives support your choices for your birth experience, whether you prefer an epidural or a non-medicated birth. Your comfort and safety are top priority.

While a certified nurse midwife provides exceptional support and care during an uncomplicated birth experience, they are not able to perform a C-section. If your delivery requires a C-section, the certified nurse midwife will collaborate with an OB/GYN on the medical staff for the procedure. Importantly, a midwife may be present in the operating room to support you as you welcome your new baby, ensuring continuity of care throughout your experience.

Yes, it is not uncommon for a woman to have a vaginal delivery after a previous C-section, known as a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). The decision to pursue a VBAC is personal and should be discussed in advance with your certified nurse midwife or OB/GYN. They can help assemble the appropriate team to support your birth experience. Learn more about VBAC births.

Yes, you can still see a midwife during a high-risk pregnancy. Certified nurse midwives are trained to identify and manage complications that may impact you and your baby’s health and safety. While they primarily care for low-risk pregnancies, they can collaborate with physicians, including OB/GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, to ensure you receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs.