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What is a Midwife?

A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is a licensed professional healthcare provider, a Registered Nurse (RN) who has graduated from an advanced education program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). In addition, CNMs must pass a national certification examination and meet strict requirements set by state health agencies. A Certified Nurse-Midwife provides care to women throughout the lifespan.

 

 

Philosophy of Nurse-Midwifery Care

The nurse-midwives at University Hospital believe that every individual has the right to safe, satisfying and non-judgmental health care with respect for human dignity and cultural variations. We further support each persons right to self-determination, to complete information, and to active participation in all aspects of care. We believe the normal processes of pregnancy and birth can be enhanced through holistic care,education and supportive intervention.

Our nurse-midwives of University Hospital are focused on the needs of the individual and family for physical care, emotional and social support and active involvement of significant others according to cultural values and personal preferences.

in our book. They have delivered all four of our children. We love them and count on them for taking good care of us and understanding our problems."

The practice of nurse-midwifery encourages continuity of care; emphasizes safe, competent clinical management; advocates non-intervention in normal processes and promotes health care education for women throughout the childbearing cycle.

Our practice extends to gynecological care of the well woman throughout the life cycle. Our nurse-midwives work in collaboration with other members of an interdependent health care team.

Our nurse-midwives assume a leadership role in the development and promotion of high quality health care for women and infants in the tri-state region. We are committed to educating nurse-midwives, to expanding knowledge through research and to evaluating and receiving care through continuous quality improvement.The midwives adhere to the standards of practice for nurse-midwifery in accordance with the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

"The nurse-midwives are #1

 

 

 

 

What Services are Offered by a Nurse-Midwife?

Nurse-midwifery practice includes services to women and their babies in the areas of:

  • Prenatal care

  • Postpartum care

  • Prescriptions

  • Counseling in health maintenance and disease prevention

  • Labor & delivery management

  • Well-woman gynecology

  • Family planning

  • Preconception care

  • Perimenopausal and menopausal management

 

 

Facts about Certified Nurse-Midwives

  • The American College of Nurse-Midwives currently has more than 6700 members in clinical practice.
  • In 1995, CNMs attended over 258,227 births in the U.S., according to the National Center for Health Statistics. This accounts for 8.47 percent of the births per year.
  • Nurse-midwifery practice is legal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
  • The 1991 infant mortality rate for nurse-midwives was 4.1 per 1,000; the national average for that year was 8.6 per 1,000 (National Center for Health Statistics).
  • In a national survey, the majority of women who received care by a CNM reported being very satisfied.
  • According to Public Citizens Health Research Group, CNMs have a cesarean section rate of 11.6 percent and a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean rate of 68.9 percent. During that same period, the national rates were 23.3 and 24.9 percent respectively.

 

Nurse-Midwife Education Standards

In the U.S., CNMs are required to pass a national examination for certification administered by the ACNM Certification Council (ACC). A midwifery student must graduate from a program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) to be eligible for examination. These requirements ensure that US nurse-midwifery education is standardized, and that CNMs meet national requirements.

Approximately 68 percent of CNMs have a master degree; four percent have a doctoral degree.

Since it's inception,
The Greater Cincinnati Nurse-Midwives at University Hospital
have proven their competence and dedication
to women-centered health care.

For more information about the Greater Cincinnati Nurse-Midwives at University Hospital or to make an appointment, call 513-475-8588.