Nurse-midwife

Nurse-midwife is a healthcare professional who provides primary care to women, including gynecological exams, family planning advice, prenatal care, assistance in labor and delivery, and neonatal care. They are trained in both nursing and midwifery and are capable of handling most complications that arise during pregnancy and childbirth, referring their patients to obstetricians or perinatologists when a high-risk condition is identified.

Education and Training[edit | edit source]

To become a nurse-midwife, an individual must first become a registered nurse (RN) and then complete a nurse-midwifery education program. These programs are usually graduate level courses that lead to a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a related field. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, labor and delivery, newborn care, and women's health.

Role and Responsibilities[edit | edit source]

Nurse-midwives provide a wide range of healthcare services for women from adolescence to menopause. These services include primary care, gynecologic and family planning services, preconception care, care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, care of the normal newborn during the first 28 days of life, and treatment of male partners for sexually transmitted infections.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In the United States, nurse-midwives are regulated by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). They must pass a national certification examination and meet strict requirements set by health organizations and insurance companies.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Nurse-midwife Resources
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