Midwife Services

Expert Care with Nurse-Midwives

A certified nurse-midwife, or CNM, is an advanced nurse practitioner who provides expert care to mothers and newborns throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. With advanced training and education, midwives at CHRISTUS Health practice in hospital- or clinic-based, collaborative care settings, working in collaboration with your OB-GYN to ensure comprehensive care.  

CHRISTUS certified nurse-midwives' philosophy of care falls in line with the Midwives Model of Care, which includes:

  • Monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
  • Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support
  • Minimizing technological interventions
  • Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention

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Benefits of Choosing a Midwife

Choosing a nurse-midwife may enhance your pregnancy and childbirth experience by offering personalized care and support before, during, and after your pregnancy. Midwives take the time to answer your questions and guide you through important decisions, from preparing for labor, lactation support and choosing a pediatric provider. They focus on your physical and emotional well-being, offering fewer medical interventions when possible. While midwifery care is available at select hospitals, it provides a supportive experience alongside the expertise of your OB-GYN, ensuring you and your baby receive the best care throughout your journey.

Benefits include:

  • Fewer medical interventions, including lower rates of C‑sections and inductions
  • Reduced risk of severe perineal tearing during vaginal birth
  • More time spent on education, counseling, and decision‑making
  • A holistic, wellness‑focused approach that supports both physical and emotional health

While midwife care may be a great option for you, it's important to understand that in some situations, an OB-GYN may be the safer option, especially if you are considered a high-risk pregnancy or have a health condition that requires specialized care. OB-GYNs are highly-trained doctors who have the ability to provide more advanced care and surgical procedures when needed. Talk to your provider about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do certified nurse-midwives work? 
Certified nurse-midwives can work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, often collaborating closely with OB-GYNs for labor and delivery support. They may also work in outpatient clinics, especially when providing overall women's health care.
What do midwives do? 
Midwives can provide medical services related to pregnancy, labor and delivery, and women's health. This includes prenatal care, labor and birth, postpartum care for mom and baby, gynecologic care, and health education. Certified nurse-midwives are trained to provide care for average-risk pregnancies and can identify when more advanced care may be needed for their patients.
Can a midwife deliver in a hospital? 
Yes, many certified nurse-midwives are credentialed to support labor and delivery care in hospitals settings. In CHRISTUS Health hospitals, midwives work closely with OB-GYNs, nurses, and other specialists to make sure you have access to advanced medical care if needed.
Can a midwife do a C-section? 
No, midwives do not perform C-sections or other surgical procedures. C-sections can only be performed by OB-GYNs or other qualified physicians with the proper training and credentials. If you are under the care of a midwife and a C-section becomes necessary, your care will be transitioned to an OB-GYN. Your midwife can continue to provide care before and after the surgery for both you and your baby.
Is a midwife a nurse? 
Some midwives are certified, registered nurses, some are not. A certified nurse-midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse with graduate-level education in midwifery. In hospital-based health networks like CHRISTUS Health, care is typically provided by certified nurse-midwives.
What is the difference between a midwife and an OB-GYN? 
OB-GYNs are medical doctors who specialize in women's care, including surgical care and high-risk or medically complex pregnancies. Midwives typically provide care for average-risk pregnancies, education, and personalized care. They can collaborate or transfer care to OB-GYNs when higher-level medical or surgical care is needed.
Does CHRISTUS Health have midwives? 
At select locations, CHRISTUS Health offers certified nurse-midwife services. Find a CHRISTUS midwife near you.
What's the difference between a midwife and a doula? 
While a certified nurse-midwife is a licensed medical provider who provides care for women's health including labor and delivery, a doula is not a medical professional. While a doula can provide emotional, physical, and educational support before, during, or after labor, they do not provide medical care or deliver babies. Doulas can be a valuable asset to your birthing team, working alongside your midwife or OB-GYN. Talk to your provider to see if your delivery hospital allows doulas.
Should I get a midwife? 
This depends on your health history, pregnancy risk, and personal preferences for your labor and delivery. Midwifery care may be a good fit if you have low-risk pregnancy want to prioritize education and minimize medical interventions when possible. If your pregnancy is high-risk, if complications arise, or if you prefer evidence-based medical interventions, an OB-GYN may be a better fit for your pregnancy and delivery. Or, you may choose to work with both a midwife and OB-GYN provider to support you throughout your pregnancy, labor and delivery.

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