midwife taking care of pregnant woman at prenatal checkup Midwife Care

Certified Nurse Midwife Care

Our certified nurse midwives offer specialized care for pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum support and annual well-woman exams.

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A certified nurse midwife (CNM) provides support and education during pregnancy, birth and postpartum care, especially for those seeking a natural birth and are at low risk of complications. CNMs are registered nurses (RNs) who have completed advanced education in midwifery and offer guidance on maternal health care. While they primarily focus on pregnancy, CNMs can also provide primary care and reproductive health services from puberty to menopause.

In case of complications, they work with a team of family medicine/OB doctors and OB/GYNs for higher-level care. However, CNMs do not perform surgeries or C-sections, focusing instead on low-intervention, personalized care.

Certified Nurse Midwifery Services

Your CNM will focus on your wellness, education, and empowerment, guiding you to choose the best options for a safe, comfortable birth. If you're in Sioux Falls, SD, and have questions on certified midwifery care, come see us for a 30-minute, no cost consultation.

Pregnancy & Birth

Your CNM will focus on low-risk or moderate-risk pregnancies and women’s health. They work closely with physicians to provide you with prenatal visits and options to support your ideal delivery, including:

  • Education on exercise, nutrition and wellness during pregnancy
  • Ensuring a safe birth with the expertise of physicians if complications happen
  • Personalized maternity and reproductive care, including postpartum
  • Being your support in the hospital during labor and delivery

Annual Care

Your CNM can screen for and treat vaginal infections, menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). No matter what your age or stage of life, you can see a certified nurse midwife for your yearly physical exam, which may include:

  • Breast and pelvic exams
  • Complete health history
  • Family planning and fertility
  • General wellness counseling
  • Pap tests

Holistic Options

Certified nurse midwives provide safe, individualized care with resonance to your unique physical, social and spiritual needs. Some holistic options that patients can incorporate into their care include:

Certified Nurse Midwife FAQ

From conception to delivery, it’s natural to have many questions during your pregnancy journey. Your provider is your most reliable source for answers. Explore frequently asked questions to learn more.

What does a CNM do during a visit?

At the very first appointment, the midwife and you will start identifying goals as far as what you’d like your ideal pregnancy, labor and delivery to look like. From there, we work closely with you and your care team on the best care plan possible for your needs and wants.

Why do patients choose a certified nurse midwife for their pregnancy care?

There are a lot of reasons. Many patients choose midwifery care because they prefer lower intervention and greater personal care. Birth interventions include labor inductions, episiotomy and epidurals. In rare situations, unnecessary interventions in obstetrics care can cause problems or trauma during the birth experience.

How much education does a certified nurse midwife receive?

A certified nurse midwife is a registered nurse who completed a graduate-level nurse midwife degree and passed a certification exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board. Their nursing background is similar to a nurse practitioner, also known as an advanced practice nurse.


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By Your Side Before, During & After Baby Arrives

Trust our compassionate providers to help you navigate pregnancy, from conception to labor and delivery, as well as parenting support. Schedule an appointment at an Avera clinic in your town and visit with your doctor.

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