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Click here for
list of Mid Level Providers.
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) provide health care for
women including obstetrics, gynecology and
family planning services. Educated as
registered nurses, midwives go on to receive advanced education in women’s health
at a Master’s degree level, and then are certified via exam by the
American
College of Nurse-Midwives. In
Florida
, midwives are licensed as Advanced Registered Nurse-Practitioners and work under
protocols with their collaborating physicians.
CNMs see patients in the office for prenatal care and
provide delivery services in the hospital. Midwives also care for women during the
postpartum period. Additionally, midwives provide routine gynecologic services including
annual exams, pap tests and
treatment of various women’s health conditions. Midwives
also provide a full array of contraceptive services. Midwives are able to order
necessary diagnostic testing as well as write prescriptions. If a patient requires
care outside of the scope of practice of the CNM she is referred to the midwife’s
collaborating physician, whether in the office or hospital setting.
The word midwife means “with women”, which is a hallmark
of the profession. Midwives are well known for taking the necessary time to get to know their patients and treat them as health care partners, empowering them to
make positive lifestyle and health care choices. With regard to obstetrics, midwives
work with their patients to help them achieve the type of birth they prefer, including
the
patient’s preference of pain relief, which may range from less interventive
options as well as other choices, up to and including epidural anesthesia. If a
Cesarean Section is required, the patient still may be cared for by the midwife
in
conjunction with the collaborating physician.
CNMs offer a gentle touch, complimented by a professional
approach, enhanced with up to date knowledge of obstetrical and gynecological standards
of care. If you would like to inquire further about this profession and how our
midwives may care for you, please call one of our Lee Physician Group offices providing
midwifery services. We look forward to hearing from you.
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