CNMs

CNMs, or Certified Nurse-Midwives, are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in midwifery and women’s health. They provide comprehensive care for low- to moderate-risk pregnancies and support normal birth, as well as gynecologic and reproductive health services across the lifespan, including well-woman exams, contraception, and postnatal care.

Education and certification for CNMs typically require first earning a registered nursing license, then completing a graduate program in nurse-midwifery that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Candidates must then pass the national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) and maintain certification through continuing education and recertification.

Scope of practice includes prenatal visits, labor and delivery management for normal pregnancies, and postpartum and newborn care. CNMs also provide counseling, risk assessment, and preventive care, and they may offer family planning and gynecologic services. Depending on the jurisdiction, CNMs may have prescriptive authority and varying levels of autonomous practice; in some settings they work independently, while in others they collaborate with obstetricians or other physicians.

Practice settings vary and include hospitals, birthing centers, and home-birth environments, as well as community clinics and private practices. The exact scope and autonomy of CNMs are regulated at the state or national level and can differ widely, with many regions allowing full, restricted, or collaborative practice arrangements.

CNMs are recognized for patient-centered care, emphasis on informed consent, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. They contribute to safe, high-quality care for low-risk pregnancies and are often part of efforts to improve access to maternity and reproductive health services.