While obstetricians have traditionally been the go-to professionals for delivering babies in the United States, midwives are growing in popularity. Although midwives specialize in natural childbirth, the common myth that they only provide home births is far from true. Certified Nurse-Midwives can attend births at home, in a birth center or at a hospital.

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife?

In Texas, two kinds of midwives are available to support you through your birth experience: Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Professional Midwives/Licensed Midwives (CPMs). Certified Nurse-Midwives are independent health care providers who have received a bachelor's degree in nursing and either a master's or doctorate degree in midwifery. Certified Professional Midwives are licensed providers who acquire their training through an apprenticeship with a qualified midwife or by attending a midwifery program or school.

To learn more about midwifery care, visit the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

What Can a Midwife Do?

If you determine that a midwife is the right birth plan for you, know that you will receive special support in your journey through a healthy pregnancy and birth. CNMs even provide ongoing well-woman and well-newborn care if desired. Plus, they are qualified to order tests, provide treatments for common pregnancy issues, and prescribe epidurals and other pain relief medications when attending hospital births.

Find a Midwife

If you're interested in finding a midwife for your care, find one today by calling 1-877-THR-WELL or by searching a list of our Certified Nurse Midwives.