What is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?

CNM’s are independent healthcare providers who provide care to women throughout their lifespans. They offer gynecologic care, well women exams, family planning counseling, prenatal care and postpartum support including lactation services.  All CNM’s are committed to individualized, patient-centered care and encourage patient involvement in all aspects of health.

They work collaboratively with our board-certified Ob-Gyns. One of our midwives is always on call with one of our physicians at Duke Regional Hospital, allowing patients to have the labor experience that is right for them. With this collaborative environment we are able to ensure you get the highest level of care you need.  

CNM Services

Maternity care

Many expectant mothers want a provider who offers a more personal approach to having a baby. Our certified nurse-midwives establish a close relationship with our patients and their families. We offer midwifery care for your prenatal visits, throughout labor and birth, and for your postpartum care. A nurse-midwife is on-call at Duke Regional Hospital 24/7/365.

Our midwives share call with our sister midwives at Chapel Hill OBGYN, so you are guaranteed the attention and support you need.

We care for low-risk moms, and routinely manage common risk factors including advanced maternal age, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section), gestational diabetes, thyroid disorders, IVF pregnancies, overweight moms, and others.

Our physicians are always present and available for collaboration should complications arise. A healthy mom and baby is always our priority, but we honor your birth experience and strive to help you have the best experience possible.

Our Midwives at Durham Women’s Clinic

Well Woman Care, Gynecology

Midwives don’t just deliver babies! We are skilled at providing gynecological services for women from adolescence through menopause. Some of the conditions we can treat include vaginal infections, STD testing and treatment, preconception counseling, perimenopausal care and counseling, heavy or painful periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome, PMS, and more.

Midwives provide care throughout all stages of life. Regular screening examinations focus on wellness and are an important part of preventative care. Well-woman care includes comprehensive annual exams, pap smears, referrals for mammograms, and counseling on lifestyle choices.

Family Planning

We offer family planning education, counseling and services. We commonly prescribe all methods of contraception including IUD’s and Nexplanon. With the most current information, and thorough discussion of your options, you will be able to choose the method best for you.

Centering Pregnancy

We offer group prenatal care designed to engage birthing person and partners through the journey of pregnancy. This model of care follows a similar traditional prenatal course. We pair you with couples due the same month as you and you will all go through your pregnancy journey together. . Many of our families develop lifelong friendships.

Sessions are divided into specific topics such as newborns, labor, common discomforts, your sessions last 60-90 minutes, so you have plenty of time engage and answer questions. Women develop self-confidence and self-care skills.

Midwifery Philosophy of Care

We believe every person has a right to:

• Equitable, ethical, accessible quality health care that promotes healing and health

• Health care that respects human dignity, individuality and diversity among groups

• Complete and accurate information to make informed health care decisions

• Self-determination and active participation in health care decisions

• Involvement of a woman's designated family members, to the extent desired, in all health care experiences

• We believe the best model of health care for a woman and her family:

  • Promotes a continuous and compassionate partnership

  • Acknowledges a person's life experiences and knowledge

  • Includes individualized methods of care and healing guided by the best evidence available

  • Involves therapeutic use of human presence and skillful communication

• We honor the normalcy of women's lifecycle events. We believe in:

  • Watchful waiting and non-intervention in normal processes

  • Appropriate use of interventions and technology for current or potential health problems

  • Consultation, collaboration and referral with other members of the health care team as needed to provide optimal health care

(American College of Nurse-Midwives)

For additional information on Nurse Midwifery please see the American College of Nurse-Midwives at www.midwife.org