| p>Obstetricians (OB) are doctors who specialize in | | | | midwives are not registered nurses, but otherwise they |
| pregnancy and childbirth. These doctors mayor | | | | meet the same qualifications as a CNM. Currently, only |
| may not also be gynecologists (GYN), who are | | | | the State of New York recognizes this certification as |
| doctors specializing in women's health care. If your | | | | sufficient for licensure. If you choose a midwife to |
| doctor is board certified, you will see the letters | | | | perform the delivery, make sure to ask about that |
| FACOG (Fellow of the American College of | | | | midwife's credentialing process. Also find out who is |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists) following her name. | | | | supervising her in your care and the delivery of your |
| A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is an advanced | | | | baby. |
| practice nurse who specializes in women's health care, | | | | It is up to you to make an educated and informed |
| including prenatal care, labor, and delivery, and | | | | decision about who will care for you and your baby |
| postpartum care for "normal" pregnancies. Most | | | | during pregnancy, so do your research. If you are |
| midwives in the United States are CNMs. They have | | | | considered higher risk due to your personal health and |
| at least a bachelor's degree, and some may have a | | | | or personal or family health history or there is reason |
| master's or doctoral degree. Certification means the | | | | to anticipate complications during your pregnancy or |
| nurse midwife has completed both nursing and | | | | childbirth, you may need to choose a doctor who |
| midwifery training and has passed national and state | | | | specializes in your condition. Your OB/GYN should be |
| licensing exams to become certified. Midwives are | | | | able to help you pinpoint risk factors and refer you to a |
| now licensed to practice in all states, and many work in | | | | specialist if necessary. No matter whom you choose, it |
| conjunction with doctors. About 96 percent of | | | | is important to make your decision and make a |
| CNM-assisted births occur in hospitals. Certified | | | | prenatal appointment as soon as possible. |