Midwifery is one of the oldest professions known to man. As long as women have been bearing children, midwives have been caring for them. Midwife literally means “with woman,” and midwives work with women from childbearing age through menopause. Nurse- midwives have been active in the development of prenatal care programs in the US since the 1930s and were on the forefront of a movement in the 1940s that has helped bring about the current environment of family-centered maternity care, childbirth education classes, and inclusion of fathers in labor and delivery rooms.
What kind of training does a Nurse-Midwife have?
Certified Nurse-Midwives are registered nurses with graduate training in obstetrics and gynecology who work with and under the supervision of physicians. Most Certified Nurse-Midwives have a masters degree in nursing with a focus on midwifery training and all are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Nurse-midwives also have annual continuing education requirements in order to remain current with the latest information.
What kind of care can I expect from a Nurse-Midwife?
Nurse-midwifery care focuses on well women and low-risk pregnancies and strives to provide care that is specific to each woman and her family. They are highly trained to handle many complications, but when an emergency situation occurs an OB doctor is immediately available. All nurse-midwives work with at least one physician, so if your situation becomes more complex, your midwife and her supervising physician will work together in your care. 
Nurse-midwives view pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and other life processes as natural. Therefore, they attempt to let these natural processes happen without interfering using medical procedures or medicines until they are necessary. Nurse-midwives also teach healthy behaviors and disease prevention. They feel it is very important for women to take responsibility for their own health care and will provide the necessary encouragement and information so you can become more involved in the decisions that affect you.
If I choose a midwife, does that mean I have to have my baby at home without any pain medicine?
Absolutely, not. The greatest thing about midwifery care is that their patients are educated and informed to make the choice that best fits them. About 96% of nurse-midwife attended births happen in a hospital, and many of these women choose to have pain medicines and epidurals. A woman’s birth experience is her own, and as long as the mom and her baby remain safe, nurse-midwives strive to provide an environment that fits each individual woman and her family.
Can I go to a midwife if I’m not pregnant?
YES! Nurse-midwives provide care for women throughout their lifetime offering family planning, well-woman care, such as annual exams and Pap tests, and postmenopausal care in addition to prenatal care. Many women form such a bond with there nurse-midwife during their pregnancy that they see her throughout their lifetime.
Does MUSC offer midwifery care?
There are several Certified Nurse-Midwives within the Department of OB/GYN at the Medical University of South Carolina, both downtown and in North Charleston, who offer care in family planning, gynecological services, prenatal care, and more. Click here to browse through all the health care providers MUSC has to offer in the Department of OB/GYN.
For more information on Certified Nurse-Midwives visit the American College of Nurse Midwives.
by: Allison Nissen, CNM
Request an appointment with a MUSC provider.