A midwife is a healthcare provider who provides obstetric and gynecological services. This includes primary care, as well as prenatal and obstetric care. It also covers routine gynecological care like annual exams and contraception. They’re experts in uncomplicated Ob/Gyn care.
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A midwife is a healthcare professional who cares for people during pregnancy and childbirth. Many midwives also provide care for newborns and offer routine reproductive care, like pelvic exams and birth control counseling.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Midwives are known for providing personalized, relationship-based care. They take time to listen, educate and support you in making informed choices. Many people choose a midwife because they value a care approach that focuses on the whole person, not just the pregnancy.
Midwives often support low-intervention or unmedicated birth when appropriate. But their priority is always safety. You may choose a midwife if you desire a birth with minimal medical intervention or are planning a birth at home or in a birth center. But midwives fully support you if you choose to use pain medications or receive an epidural in a hospital setting.
CNMs work closely with obstetricians and gynecologists (Ob/Gyns), especially in hospital settings, so you have access to advanced medical care if it’s needed.
You may be overwhelmed by all the big decisions that come along with pregnancy. Choosing a provider is one of them. Understanding who midwives are and how they’re trained can help you decide whether this type of care is right for you.
The services a midwife offers depend on:
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) can provide the widest range of services. They see people through several stages of life, from adolescence through menopause. Some midwives can also care for healthy newborns during their first 28 days of life.
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Services a CNM provides may include:
A CNM can practice in hospitals, clinics, birth centers and sometimes in homes. Most CNMs and CMs attend births in hospitals where they work as part of a larger medical team.
Midwifery laws can be different by state. It’s always OK to ask your provider about their credentials, certification and what their training allows them to do.
There are several types of midwives. Their training and what they can do are different at each level.
CNMs are registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing. In addition to pregnancy care and delivery, CNMs can:
CNMs in the United States are nationally certified and licensed to work in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They work in hospitals, clinics, birth centers and homes.
CMs have a master’s degree in midwifery. But unlike CNMs, they’re not registered nurses. They have all the same roles and responsibilities as CNMs.
CMs are only licensed to practice in 11 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. But several other states are currently looking into the licensure of CMs. Both CNMs and CMs are nationally certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
CPMs are trained to attend home or birth center births. Their education in midwifery focuses on out-of-hospital birth and providing safe care. CPMs aren’t allowed to prescribe medications.
Their certification is through the North American Registry of Midwives. They can practice in many states, including D.C.
These midwives aren’t licensed or certified. Their training varies widely. It may include self-study or apprenticeship. They typically attend home births only.
No, most midwives aren’t doctors (MDs or DOs). But CNMs are advanced practice medical providers. Some hold doctoral degrees in nursing practice (DNP).
For those with low-risk pregnancies, midwife-led care has shown to have lower rates of:
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Midwives also have lower rates of complications, like:
A midwife might be for you if you have a low-risk pregnancy and if you desire a more personalized relationship with your provider.
If you have a health condition that could complicate your pregnancy or delivery, midwifery care may still be an option. But close collaboration between your midwife and Ob/Gyn is ideal. Some of these conditions include:
If you decide to work with a midwife, find one who’s licensed and certified to practice in your state.
Midwives are trained to recognize when you need additional medical support. CNMs work closely with Ob/Gyns, maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists and other providers to reduce risks and ensure safety.
No, midwives don’t do C-sections. But they can assist during them and continue to support you before and after the surgery.
Midwives don’t place epidurals. Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) provide epidurals. Anesthesia providers are typically available only in hospital settings.
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A lot of people interview midwives to make sure they feel comfortable with them before starting care. Some questions you may want to ask before choosing a midwife include:
Pregnancy, labor and delivery are very personal experiences. You have a choice about the kind of care you’d prefer. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to find the right fit for you. Whether you decide to use a midwife, Ob/Gyn or a combination of both, your healthcare providers will work together to help provide the best care.
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Cleveland Clinic's health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability, and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic's health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability, and up-to-date clinical standards.
Whether you’re looking for pregnancy care or a wellness provider, Cleveland Clinic’s midwife team is here to deliver a caring, personal experience.
