What does CNM mean in OCCUPATION & POSITIONS

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in women's prenatal and postnatal care, labor and delivery, gynecological care, and newborn care. CNMs provide holistic health care to women throughout their lives.

In the US, a CNM must complete a master's degree program that has been approved by the American College of Nurse-Midwives and accredited either by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education or the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The program typically includes courses in midwifery theory, research, skills lab practice, clinical experience as well as courses in nursing science.

After completing your degree you must pass the American Midwifery Certification Board exam to earn your national certification as a certified nurse midwife.

While much of their focus is on providing comprehensive healthcare for women during pregnancy and delivery, certified nurse midwives can also provide primary care for both men and children.

Certified Nurse Midwives practice evidence-based medicine that enables them to offer individualized care that embraces the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient in her home environment or birthing center. They are skilled at providing personalized care while also helping you make informed decisions about your health care options.

Appointment times typically last one hour or more depending on your specific needs so that patients have plenty of time to discuss all their concerns openly with their provider.

Labor and delivery experiences vary from person to person but can include more patient control over medical interventions as well as increased focus on comfort measures like massage therapy or aromatherapy during labor. A certified nurse midwife may also use specialized techniques such as hypnosis or water immersion during childbirth if desired by the patient.

All medical procedures carry some level of risk but there are no higher risks associated with receiving care from a certified nurse midwife compared to other qualified healthcare providers when managing normal pregnancies and deliveries.

While certified nurse midwives are skilled at identifying potential problems early in pregnancy they may refer high-risk cases to obstetricians who specialize in managing those types of conditions during pregnancy and childbirth. Depending on state regulations however certain low-risk aspects may still be managed by the certified nurse midwife such as prescribing medications or performing ultrasounds if allowed by law.