If you want to become a certified nurse-midwife (CNM), enroll in a reputable institution to get started with online midwifery programs. These institutions offer various courses to help you gain skills and knowledge to perform different roles. Here are some roles of a nurse-midwives:
Prenatal Care
Throughout pregnancy, CNMs check the mother’s overall health by measuring blood pressure and weight among other vitals. These professionals also monitor the baby’s well-being by assessing their heartbeat and position which determine if they are developing properly. Blood work, urine tests, and ultrasounds are examples of diagnostic tests performed to determine if the mother and baby are healthy. By monitoring different factors, CNMs may identify underlying health problems that mothers have and recommend treatment to prevent pre-term labor.
During pregnancy, a certified nurse-midwife advises mothers to take nutrient-dense foods to help their babies grow better. They suggest safe and practical exercises to maintain fitness and reduce common pregnancy discomforts like back pain. To understand what to expect during labor, delivery, and the postpartum period, a nurse midwife creates a birth plan with all the details.
Labor and Delivery
Whether the delivery is held at home, a hospital, or a birth center, a CNM assists with childbirth. During labor, this specialist monitors a mother’s contractions, the baby’s heart rate, and other aspects to determine if they’re both doing well. To help a patient stay focused and calm during contractions, a nurse midwife guides them through various deep breathing methods.
CNMs go through online midwifery programs to learn how to guide mothers through pushing and allow the baby to move safely through the birth canal. They are also trained to handle complications that may arise during childbirth like using the right techniques to reposition a baby. This professional works with obstetricians and other specialists to help the mother and baby receive appropriate medical attention if complications occur.
Postpartum Care
Following childbirth, a nurse-midwife assesses moms for problems such as hemorrhage from the delivery, suture healing, and uterine recuperation. They may prescribe pain relievers and other therapeutic methods, like sitz baths, to manage postpartum soreness. These experts may also evaluate a patient’s emotional and mental health, screening for conditions like postpartum depression or anxiety. To help mothers cope with the emotional changes of new motherhood, nurse midwives refer them to counseling or support groups.
Qualified CNMs help mothers breastfeed by showing them proper latching and providing strategies to increase the milk supply. They also monitor a newborn’s weight and growth patterns to assess if they are feeding well and gaining weight. Nurse midwives teach parents basic newborn care, including how to bathe, dress, and care for the baby.
Gynecological and Reproductive Health
To review a woman’s reproductive health, a certified nurse midwife conducts regular pelvic exams, looking for issues like cysts or fibroids. This professional may perform Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer and offer timely treatment before the condition worsens. They carry out breast exams routinely and teach patients how to do it themselves to detect possible issues like breast cancer.
CNMs discuss different options, such as hormonal and non-hormonal methods, to help women find a suitable contraceptive. For patients planning to conceive, a nurse midwife assesses their health, including checking for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. If a patient has pre-existing health conditions, CNMs work with her to develop a plan to manage them effectively before and during pregnancy.
Register for Online Midwifery Programs
A nurse midwife attends to women of all ages, helping them through prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum periods. They also have the skills to check their reproductive health and offer advice to maintain their overall wellness. To provide health care for mothers effectively, register for online midwifery programs at a trusted institution.
