What Is a Midwife?

A midwife is a highly trained healthcare professional who provides specialized care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and reproductive health. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) offer medical care similar to OB-GYNs for low-risk pregnancies, with an emphasis on education, prevention, and individualized support.
Midwives provide prenatal care, support during labor and delivery, postpartum follow-up, and ongoing reproductive health services. They focus on building relationships with patients while monitoring for any changes that may require additional medical attention.
You can schedule an appointment with a midwife at M Health Fairview to explore personalized pregnancy care options.
 

What are the Different Types of Midwives?

Several types of midwives practice in the U.S., each with distinct education, certification, and care settings.

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)

Certified Nurse Midwives are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s health. CNMs complete graduate-level education and clinical training and are certified by a national board. They provide prenatal care, deliver babies, and offer postpartum and reproductive health services, often working within hospitals or healthcare systems.

Certified Midwives (CMs)

Certified Midwives hold graduate-level training in midwifery but do not have a nursing background. They complete accredited education and certification requirements similar to CNMs. CMs provide comparable care, though they practice in fewer states and often work in clinical or hospital settings.

Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs)

Certified Professional Midwives focus on community-based birth settings, such as homes or birth centers. Their training emphasizes out-of-hospital care and hands-on clinical experience. CPMs are certified through national credentialing organizations and specialize in low-risk pregnancies outside hospital environments.

Midwife vs. OB-GYN: What’s the Difference?

Both midwives and OB-GYNs provide pregnancy and reproductive care, but they approach care differently. Understanding these differences can help patients choose the right provider for their needs. For more details, see this guide.

When a Midwife May Be the Right Choice

A midwife may be a strong fit for patients with low-risk pregnancies who value personalized care, longer visits, and a supportive approach to birth. Many patients choose midwives for guidance through pregnancy and labor for their emphasis on education and shared decision-making.

When an OB-GYN May Be Recommended

An OB-GYN may be recommended for patients with high-risk pregnancies, underlying medical conditions, or situations that may require surgical intervention or specialized monitoring. Learn more about OB-GYN care at M Health Fairview.
At M Health Fairview, midwives work in close partnership with OB-GYN physicians, ensuring a smooth transition to advanced medical care whenever additional support is needed.

What are the Benefits of Choosing a Hospital Midwife?

If you’re interested in midwife care but want the security of medical support, hospital-based midwives provide a balanced approach. They combine personalized, supportive care with access to advanced medical resources when needed.

Personalized Prenatal Care

Hospital midwives provide longer prenatal visits that prioritize education, questions, and relationship-building. Patients receive guidance on pregnancy changes, nutrition, and preparation for birth, creating a strong foundation of trust and understanding.

Support for Your Birth Preferences

A hospital-based midwife will help patients explore birth plans, including pain management options, labor positions, and support techniques. They provide clear, evidence-based guidance and support informed decision-making, while remaining adaptable to changes that may arise during labor and delivery.

Lower Intervention Rates and VBAC Support

Research shows that midwifery care in hospital settings is associated with lower rates of unnecessary interventions, including cesarean births, while maintaining safe outcomes for low-risk pregnancies. 

At M Health Fairview, our midwives also support vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) when clinically appropriate, helping patients pursue safe, individualized birth options.

Collaborative Care With OB-GYN Specialists

If complications arise, midwives coordinate closely with OB-GYN physicians and hospital teams. This collaborative, team-based approach ensures patients receive timely, appropriate care and access to advanced medical support at every stage of pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Access to Support When You Need It

Patients have access to experienced midwives who provide guidance across pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery. Ongoing support helps address concerns early and promotes confidence in care decisions.

Who Our Midwives Care For

Expecting Parents Seeking Personalized Pregnancy Care

Our midwives care for individuals who want a relationship-based approach to pregnancy. They prioritize communication, education, and continuity of care from early pregnancy through postpartum recovery.

Patients With Low-Risk Pregnancies

Midwives at M Health Fairview specialize in supporting healthy pregnancies while closely monitoring for any changes. They provide comprehensive care while identifying when additional medical support may be needed.

Families Looking for a Collaborative Birth Team

Many patients choose our midwives for guidance through pregnancy and labor, with an emphasis on education and shared decision-making. This approach combines individualized support with access to hospital resources and OB-GYN specialists when needed.