What is a midwife?

Midwife means “with women”. 

Midwives are specially trained to support women from menarche (the first period) through menopause. They are experts in pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate postpartum period for low risk families.

The midwifery model varies from the traditional medical model of care in that midwives provide:

  1. A focus on health promotion and disease prevention that views pregnancy as a normal life event

  2. A partnership with women to promote self-care and the health of mothers, infants, and families

  3. A practice where respect for women as persons with full human rights and self determination is the hallmark of the relationship between client and midwife

  4. Advocacy for women so that their voices are heard in their own care, and in the community

Types of licensed midwives:

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM)

A nurse-midwife is an advanced practice nurse who has specialized in the practice of obstetrical and gynecological care of relatively healthy women. CNMs are able to practice in hospitals and medical clinics, birthing centers, or within the home. Our CNMs have hospital privileges at Providence Alaska Medical Center and prescriptive authority.

Certified Direct-Entry Midwives (CDM)

CDMs are sometimes referred to as ‘Licensed Midwives” in other states. CDMs are educated in the discipline of midwifery through apprenticeship, a midwifery certifying program and self study. CDMs are qualified to provide all aspects of maternity care to low-risk pregnant women in home settings or in birth centers. 

Certified Professional Midwives (CPM)

A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a knowledgeable, skilled and professional independent midwifery practitioner who has met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM, narm.org) and is qualified to provide the Midwives Model of Care. CPMs provide continuous care for women throughout their childbearing cycle in home settings or in birth center based practices. 

Midwives work in collaboration with other providers.

Midwifery and Women’s Health Care believes in a collaborative model of care. Generally, we provide the complete care for a low risk client. If a woman’s risk status increases, our midwives work in close collaboration with physicians to provide the safest care. We have great working relationships with local OB/GYN and MFM physicians and make referrals to body workers and specialists when needed.