What is a Nurse Midwife?

Today’s Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a professional healthcare provider, who is also a Registered Nurse (RN) that has completed a graduate education program accredited by the American College of Nurse Midwives. CNM's function as primary healthcare providers for women throughout their lifetime, including gynecological care and obstetrical care.

Our nurse midwives provide prenatal care and well woman gyn care, as well as treatment of gynecological disorders. They also are able to prescribe medications, treatments, medical devices, therapeutic and diagnostic measures for their patients. Certified Nurse Midwives may work closely, or in collaboration, with an OB/GYN physican who provides consultation and/or assistance to patients who develop complications or have complex medical histories or disease(s).

Nurse midwives are experts in normal birth and involve the patient with prenatal teaching and provide highly personalized care. The midwives of this practice deliever patients at Fair Oaks hospital and strongly support your birth desires in a hospital setting. Many of our patients choose alternative techniques during labor for an unmedicated birth, but also have the option of a variety of medications for labor, if she desires. Often, even women with high risk pregnancies can receive the benefits of midwifery care from a Certified Nurse Midwife in collaboration with a physician. Fairfax OB/GYN Associates, P.C. is proud that they have been offering our patients Midwifery care since the 1990’s.