Nurse-midwifery dates back to 1925 in the United States. The first program used public health registered nurses who had been educated in England. These nurses provided family health services, as well as childbearing and delivery care, at nursing centers in the Appalachian mountains.
The first nurse-midwifery education program in the United States began in 1932.
Today, all nurse-midwifery programs are at colleges and universities. Most nurse-midwives graduate at the Master's degree level. These programs must be accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) in order for graduates to take the National Certification Examination. Applicants for nurse-midwife programs usually must be registered nurses and have at least 1 to 2 years of nursing experience.
Many studies over the past 20 to 30 years have shown that nurse-midwives can manage most perinatal (including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum) care. They are also qualified to deliver most family planning and gynecological needs of women of all ages. Some may check and manage common adult illnesses, as well.
Nurse-midwives work with OB/GYN doctors. They either consult with or refer to other health care providers in cases beyond their experience. These cases may include high-risk pregnancies and care for pregnant women who also have a chronic illness.
The nurse-midwife is educated and trained to provide a broad range of health care services for women and newborns. Certified nurse-midwife (CNM) functions include:
CNMs are legally allowed to write prescriptions in some states, but not in others.
