Certified Nurse-Midwives: Committed to a Lifespan of Wellness
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice provider that focuses on obstetrics, women's health, and gender-related care. CNMs specialize in caring for patients from adolescence, during and after pregnancy, through menopause, and beyond.
Because CNMs provide a full range of sexual and reproductive health services throughout the lifespan - they are an especially unique part in supporting the health of the pregnant person, infant, and the growing family - CNMs not only play a critical role in women's health but also public health overall.
Among the core values of the American College of Nurse-Midwives is "whole-person care through the provision of primary, sexual, and reproductive care to all." A CNM's practice directly impacts the health of women and their children. Delivering key public health messages is a critical role of CNMs. By discussing and advising on ways to improve personal health, CNMs help to empower women to make healthier choices during their pregnancy. This in turn helps to reduce health inequalities and supports women and their families to achieve optimum health. This will help to reduce future morbidity and mortality rates in mothers and children.
Mile Square Health Center-L.P. Johnson Rockford is committed to healthcare that includes education and counseling so that the patient can make informed choices for their best health outcomes.
"Certified nurse-midwives believe that childbirth is a normal, natural process that does not need a lot of intervention," says Michelle Harris, a CNM at Mile Square-L.P. Johnson Rockford. "We educate and empower our patients throughout their pregnancy, encourage shared decision making, and provide support through the labor process allowing for the best birth experience.
"I strive to provide compassionate care and education to women through all stages of their lives," she says. "I believe that women should be empowered to make decisions when it comes to their healthcare."
For more information about certified nurse-midwives and women's health services, visit Mile Square-L.P. Johnson Rockford.
