What is a Midwife?
The word midwife has been used for centuries to describe a woman who is "with women" at birth. A midwife was traditionally an older female in the family or the community. Today, the word indicates a philosophy of care that focuses on the specific needs of women, offers a variety of options, and minimizes unnecessary intervention; and the individuals who hold that title are highly educated professionals who work collaboratively with physicians.

What is the American College of Nurse-Midwives?
With approximately 7,000 members, the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is the largest and oldest standard-setting organization for the midwifery profession in the United States.We are proud of the reputation earned over the last 75 years by our certified midwife (CM) and certified nurse-midwife (CNM) members.

How do I decide on midwifery care?
Not all midwives are alike, and not every woman is a candidate for midwifery care. The public has come to trust the multiple levels of testing for knowledge and competence inherent in a formal college-level education and the standards for safety required by federal and state licensing agencies. Because standards for the education and practice of midwifery might vary, ACNM urges consumers to carefully evaluate credentials. However, it is possible to be a competent practitioner without a college education, especially if one has apprenticed for a long time with another experienced provider.

Midwives know that healthy mothers mean healthy, happy babies and families. Midwives also know that a healthy lifestyle means taking care of you and your family every day, not just during pregnancy and birth. That's why midwives are committed to providing quality healthcare, from birth and beyond.

Making a midwife your primary care provider means your midwife is there for gynecological care, breast exams, heart screenings, and more. You can receive adolescent and midlife care, as well as prenatal and pregnancy care all from the same place, with a midwife you trust.

Gynecological Care
Menopause
Adolescent Health
Contraception