Midwifery is rooted in tradition and dedication, but it is far more than just a labor of love. With approximately 14,000 midwives practicing in the United States today, these professionals embody centuries of experience in delivering empowering and safe birth experiences.
Midwives have evolved beyond mere community healers. They now undergo rigorous graduate-level training to provide evidence-based, personalized care—an essential service every expectant mother deserves.
Understanding Types of Midwives
There are three primary types of midwives in America, each with distinct qualifications and scopes of practice. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses with advanced education in midwifery, certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Certified midwives (CMs), while not registered nurses, also hold a graduate-level midwifery degree and certification from the AMCB. Certified professional midwives (CPMs) often gain experience through apprenticeship and meet specific criteria set by the North American Registry of Midwives.
Distinct Roles of Midwives
Let’s set the record straight: midwives are not doulas and they are not OB-GYNs. Doulas provide support but lack the medical training necessary for interventions. OB-GYNs, while essential, focus heavily on surgical solutions. Midwives specialize in the natural progression of birth, championing the empowerment of women throughout their journey.
Midwives craft a holistic experience—caring for the whole woman by addressing her body, mind, and spirit. This hands-on, patient-centered approach fosters an environment where women feel valued, seen, and supported.
Who Should Choose a Midwife?
Every woman requiring prenatal care should consider a midwife. These professionals prioritize natural processes, resorting to interventions only when absolutely necessary. Research consistently demonstrates that midwifery care is linked to lower rates of Cesarean births and higher patient satisfaction. For high-risk pregnancies, midwives maintain collaborative relationships with physicians to ensure safety and continuity of care.
Dispelling a common myth, midwives do not solely attend home births. The majority work within hospitals and birthing centers, and their services are covered by insurance, offering accessible support to all women.
Scheduling a Midwife Appointment
At NYU Langone’s Mignone Women’s Health Collaborative, midwives are ready to serve you. You can schedule a prenatal appointment as early as six to seven weeks into your pregnancy. Discover more about our midwifery services on NYU Langone’s website—empower yourself today.
Interestingly, you don’t even need to be pregnant to see a midwife. Our services encompass fertility counseling, annual exams, contraception, and more—providing comprehensive support for women at every stage of life.
Tools and Techniques of Midwifery
Contrary to popular belief, midwives do not solely promote natural births. Our philosophy is about empowering women to make informed choices regarding their care. We employ techniques such as breathwork, hydrotherapy, and touch to manage labor pain, while also supporting the use of epidurals when desired.
Continuing Care Beyond Birth
Midwifery is not limited to the delivery room. Our commitment extends far beyond birth, with continuous care through postpartum recovery. This includes monitoring both physical and mental health, screening for postpartum depression, and providing necessary prescriptions and referrals.
Partnering with women through the extensive journey of motherhood is our mission. Do not underestimate the breadth of care a midwife can provide. We aim to empower women throughout the remarkable experience of childbirth and beyond, ensuring they feel supported at every turn.
Eugenia Montesinos, CNM, is the director of midwifery services at NYU Langone Health.
