In New York Sate, a Licensed Midwife (LM) may be either a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or a Certified Midwife (CM). All licensed midwives, regardless of nursing background, undergo the same training in order to become a midwife. They all must graduate from the a Masters degree program and pass the American Midwifery Board Certification exam.
CNMs and CMs are licensed in the state of New York as primary care providers. Licensed midwives therefore may provide full-scope care from adolescence onward. While licensed midwives all consult with physicians when appropriate, we do not require their supervision to practice.
Well-person care includes but is not limited to:
During pregnancy, midwives provide prenatal care for the pregnant person, including:
A licensed midwife in New York State can:
The midwifery model of care is client-centered and recognizes each individual as an active participant in their health, pregnancy, and birth. Attention is paid to the unique context of each person and the role of their emotional as well as physical well-being. Unlike obstetrics, the midwifery model of care does not view pregnancy and birth through a lens of pathology, but of ultimate normalcy. Midwives emphasize continuity of care throughout labor and minimization of routine technological intervention. Midwives also are politically active, advocating both for their rights as health care providers and for access to better health care for their communities.
For more information about midwifery and home birth in New York State:
New York Association of Licensed Midwives
Planned Home Birth in New York State: NYSALM Guidelines for Best Practice
CNMs and CMs are licensed in the state of New York as primary care providers. Licensed midwives therefore may provide full-scope care from adolescence onward. While licensed midwives all consult with physicians when appropriate, we do not require their supervision to practice.
Well-person care includes but is not limited to:
- Pap smears
- breast exams
- preventive care
- STI counseling/screening
- contraceptive and/or family planning counseling
- contraceptive prescriptions/IUD insertion or removal
- menopausal management
During pregnancy, midwives provide prenatal care for the pregnant person, including:
- assessing the growth and health of the fetus through the pregnancy
- attending labor and birth
- detecting potential complications
- are equipped to respond to emergency situations
- perform newborn exams
- offer postpartum care and breastfeeding support
- care for a newborn in the first 28 days of life
A licensed midwife in New York State can:
- prescribe and administer drugs
- perform diagnostic tests
- order laboratory tests
- refer clients to specialists as necessary
The midwifery model of care is client-centered and recognizes each individual as an active participant in their health, pregnancy, and birth. Attention is paid to the unique context of each person and the role of their emotional as well as physical well-being. Unlike obstetrics, the midwifery model of care does not view pregnancy and birth through a lens of pathology, but of ultimate normalcy. Midwives emphasize continuity of care throughout labor and minimization of routine technological intervention. Midwives also are politically active, advocating both for their rights as health care providers and for access to better health care for their communities.
For more information about midwifery and home birth in New York State:
New York Association of Licensed Midwives
Planned Home Birth in New York State: NYSALM Guidelines for Best Practice
