Maine's certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) have been delivering babies and caring for Maine women since 1974. Today there are approximately 75 CNMs in Maine with over 29 different practices located throughout the state with CNMs having delivery privileges in 22 different hospitals. State statistics show that nurse-midwifery births are growing, with CNMs doing 19. 6% (1,966) of Maine births in 2004. Most of these births are in hospitals or birthing centers. Our goal is to offer high quality compassionate care, help you make informed choices and get individualized health care that is safe, supportive, and satisfying. Maine's CNMs provide care in a variety of settings: homes, health clinics, private offices, hospitals, and birthing centers. Sometimes they work for hospitals, physician practices, or have their own practices. We have CNMs that teach at the University or precept medical students and others that combine other disciplines with nurse-midwifery like nutrition, lactation consulting, herbology, family nursing, or surgical assisting.

Nurse-midwives specialize in providing routine women's health care from puberty to menopause and are authorized to provide primary care. Services generally include physical exams, family planning & gynecological exams, checking for STD's, peri- and menopausal management. They also care for women through pregnancy, labor and birth including newborn care and breastfeeding support. In Maine Nurse-midwives can offer prescription medications and order lab work or imaging as needed. They work collaboratively within the medical community to make referrals or consultations with doctors, therapists, or social agencies as needed. Maine Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are licensed as both Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), and provide care according to the American College of Nurse-Midwives guidelines, and the rules and regulations of the Maine State Board of Nursing. Currently a Masters of Science (MS) degree is required for entry into practice as a CNM in Maine.

All nurse-midwives are Registered Nurses (RNs) with advanced education and training in midwifery and women's health. They hold a national credential from the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) as Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM). To receive credentials from ACNM as a CNM, midwives must graduate from an nationally accredited education program and pass a rigorous national exam. In Maine CNMs must keep current with continuing education requirements and participate in peer review.

For more information on Nurse-midwives visit mymidwife.com