Is a midwife right for you?

When Wilmington, North Carolina, resident Tara Echeverry delivered each of her four daughters, she did so with certified nurse midwife Pamela Irby by her side, guiding her every step of the way.

A benefit of working with a certified nurse midwife (CNM) is that while they focus on obtaining and recording important medical data, like the baby’s measurements and heart tones during prenatal care, a CNM also aims to create emotional support by having an open conversation with the patient about how she is feeling, and how the pregnancy is affecting her and her family.

“We have a good rapport with our patients, and have developed a trusting relationship throughout their pregnancy,” Irby said. “We do play a big emotional support.”

Trust, support and empowerment: certified nurse midwives deliver prenatal care and much more.

Certified nurse midwives are health care professionals who are trained in both nursing and midwifery (healthcare for individuals through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum). They are licensed by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

To be certified, one must obtain a master’s degree and be formally educated in midwifery through an accredited program affiliated with an institution of higher learning, demonstrate clinical competence and pass a rigorous national certifying exam.

Certified nurse midwives specialize in prenatal care, family planning, menstrual disorders, menopause and other gynecological needs. In addition, they often offer longer appointment times, and labor and emotional support, focusing on wellness and helping patients make informed choices. In 2021, certified nurse midwives and certified midwives attended 12% of all births in the U.S.

Barbara Metzelaars, a certified nurse midwife at Novant Health Providence OB/GYN - SouthPark in Charlotte, said midwives are a great option for women looking for a personalized model of care. “We work closely with each patient to provide thorough support to mom and baby throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery," Metzelaars said.

Is a midwife a good fit for you?

Midwives annually support more than 300,000 pregnant women across the country, according to the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Here are some things to consider if you think you may want a midwife:

• Do you prefer a vaginal birth? Midwives support the natural birthing process and generally believe in vaginal births with minimal technological interventions.
• Are your health and pregnancy low risk? There are various risk factors that can cause complications during pregnancy, including age, problems in past pregnancies, previous medical conditions, poor nutrition and smoking. High-risk pregnancies may require obstetrical attention.
• Do you want a high-touch, low-tech model of care? A midwife can be a great partner if you want a health care provider who will spend more time with you, educate you, and build a trusting relationship. (It's worth noting here that certified nurse midwives can prescribe and administer pain relievers, should you request them.)
• Do you want continuous support during your pregnancy and labor? Research shows women may have a higher comfort level in communicating with their midwives. Midwives are known for providing consistent support throughout the entire labor and delivery process, which many women find reassuring.