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Understanding Different Types of Midwives

At Alabama Birth Center, we have both Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) on staff. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure you receive compassionate, personalized care throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Our team is dedicated to supporting families with a holistic approach, offering a variety of birth options and services tailored to your needs.

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Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

Doctor Examining a Pregnant Woman

In Alabama, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in midwifery, providing comprehensive care to women across their lifespan. Here's a detailed list describing the role and qualifications of CNMs in Alabama:

  1. Certification and Licensure:

    • CNMs are certified through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).

    • In Alabama, they must also be licensed by the Alabama Board of Nursing as advanced practice nurses.

  2. Education:

    • CNMs are required to hold a Master’s degree or higher in nursing, specifically in the field of midwifery.

    • Their education includes both classroom-based learning and extensive clinical training in women’s health, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and newborn care.

  3. Scope of Practice:

    • CNMs provide a full range of primary healthcare services for women from adolescence through menopause, including gynecological exams, family planning services, preconception care, prenatal and postnatal care, childbirth, and care for the newborn.

    • They can practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, birth centers, and homes.

  4. Prescriptive Authority:

    • CNMs in Alabama have full prescriptive authority, including controlled substances, as part of their collaborative practice agreement with a physician. This allows them to manage the comprehensive healthcare needs of their patients.

  5. Collaborative Practice:

    • While CNMs can practice independently in many aspects of their care, Alabama law requires them to have a formal collaborative agreement with a physician. This collaboration enhances the care provided, especially in cases that develop complications and require medical intervention.

  6. Professional Requirements:

    • CNMs are required to engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain their certification and licensure.

    • They must adhere to the standards and guidelines set forth by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).

  7. Services Offered:

    • In addition to reproductive health and childbirth services, CNMs also provide general health check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations.

    • They play a significant role in health education and counseling, guiding their patients in making informed health decisions.

 

CNMs in Alabama are recognized as vital healthcare providers who offer a blend of traditional and modern care techniques, emphasizing a holistic approach to medical care with a personal touch. Their advanced training and broad scope of practice enable them to serve as primary healthcare providers for women.

Certified Professional Midwives (CPM)

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In Alabama, a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a specialized practitioner trained in managing pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care for women outside of the hospital setting. Here’s a list of what defines a CPM in Alabama:

 

1. Certification: CPMs are certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). This certification is recognized in Alabama and requires passing the NARM examination.

 

2. Scope of Practice:

   - CPMs primarily focus on providing care in out-of-hospital settings such as homes and freestanding birth centers.

   - They manage low-risk pregnancies and are trained to recognize when to refer women to or consult with other health care providers when complications arise.

 

3. Training and Education:

   - CPMs complete a midwifery education program that includes didactic and clinical training.

   - Their training specifically prepares them for out-of-hospital birth settings.

   - They are required to complete a certain number of supervised births during their training.

 

4. Legal Status:

   - In Alabama, CPMs are legally recognized to practice and provide midwifery care.

   - They must adhere to state regulations and guidelines governing their practice.

 

5. Continuing Education:

   - CPMs must complete continuing education to maintain their certification and to stay updated with the latest practices and standards in midwifery care.

 

6. Services Provided:

   - Prenatal care

   - Labor and delivery support

   - Postpartum care

   - Newborn care immediately following birth

   - Counseling and education on family planning, breastfeeding, and newborn care

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