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Birth & Family Health Center
La Clinica de Maternidad y Familia

What is a Midwife?

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are licensed health care providers educated in nursing and midwifery. A midwife is someone who has been educated to supervise and give care and counseling to women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. She monitors the patient for abnormalities, procures  medical assistance from specialists when appropriate, and offers advice on the various phases of pregnancy. In addition, licensed midwives are well versed in caring for women beyond pregnancy—STIs, contraceptive methods, and other gynecological matters.

Certified midwives (CMs) and California’s Licensed Midwives (LMs) are licensed health care providers educated in midwifery. CNMs, LMs and CMs have passed a national examination and they have a license to practice midwifery from the state they live in. Most of the midwives in the United States are CNMs, LMs or CMs.

Why Would I Choose a Midwife for Care During My Pregnancy?

CNMs/LMs believe you need time and special attention so you can be healthy and able to take care of your baby. Midwives specialize in providing support, regular health care, and in helping you get any additional care needed. Midwives are experts in knowing the difference between normal changes that occur during pregnancy and symptoms that require extra attention.

Should I See a Midwife if I am Not Pregnant?

Many women go to their CNM or CM for annual check-ups, family planning, and to get care for common infections that happen to women. For example, your midwife can answer questions about all the methods of birth control, help you decide what is best and safest for you, and prescribe it for you

 

What is a Physicians Assistant?

PAs are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services, as delegated by a physician. Working as members of the health care team, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x-rays, and make diagnoses. They also treat minor injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting. Physician assistants may prescribe some medications in many states.
Physician assistants work under the supervision of a physician, however PAs may also be the principal care providers. In such cases, the PA confers with the supervising physician and other medical professionals as needed and as required by law.