For centuries, New Mexican women have turned to midwives for support and assistance in childbirth. Today's Certified Nurse-Midwives continue to provide care, representing a bridge between traditional birth practice and modern technology. Now many women are also returning to these same providers for their family planning, well-woman gynecology, health promotion, and menopause care. Nurse-Midwives even assist women with their gynecological needs.

Since 1943, New Mexico families have turned to certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) for options in safe and satisfying childbirth. Last year, more than 30% of New Mexican babies were born into the gentle hands of a nurse-midwife. Most were hospital births.

Nurse-midwives are RNs with advanced education in midwifery. All schools of nurse-midwifery are accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. CNMs must pass a national certification examination before practicing. New Mexico nurse-midwives prescribe medications as needed, and have physicians available for consultation, collaboration and referral whenever necessary. Most private and public insurers as well as some HMOs reimburse for nurse-midwifery services.

Nurse-midwives practice in a variety of settings all around New Mexico with the goal of providing safe, satisfying care for all women throughout their lives.