The Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago hosts three talented and dedicated groups of Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) from local hospitals. The CNMs from Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, Swedish Covenant Hospital and Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital provide prenatal care- including our CenteringPregnancy program, Well-Woman, and Family Planning services to women and children at every stage of life.
What is a Certified Nurse Midwife?
A Certified Nurse Midwife specializes in pregnancy, birth and women’s health but in many cases, CNMs can provide primary care for women and adolescents. According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), a CNM is a registered nurse who has graduated from a nurse-midwifery program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Some of the services performed by Certified Nurse Midwives include:
- Gynecological exams
- Prenatal care
- Childbirth and Delivery
- Postpartum care
- Newborn care
- Family planning counseling and reproductive health education
- Treatment of STDs/STIs
Why Should I Consider a Certified Nurse Midwife vs. an OBGYN?
An Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OBGYN) is a medical doctor that specializes in women’s health issues. Certified Nurse Midwives are also medical professionals that specialize in women’s health issues. While an OBGYN and a CNM provide similar services, you may want to consider using a CNM if:
- You like a more involved experience from your care provider, including education and pregnancy-related counseling, and personalized care
- You are looking to have a natural childbirth
- You are experiencing a low -risk pregnancy
You may need to see an OBGYN if:
- You are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy
- In general, you are comfortable with spending less time with your provider
- You may want to be medicated or may need surgical interventions during delivery