Meet our Midwifes Sarah S. Kurtz CNM Lisa W. Weppler, CNM
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What is a Certified Nurse Midwife?
A Certified Nurse Midwife work in collaboration with our physicians to provide obstetrical and gynecological care to patients with an emphasis on health promotion and screening.  A certified nurse midwife is a registered nurse who has advanced education in midwifery and holds a national certification from the American College of Nurse Midwifes
What is the history of the Midwife profession?

The word "midwife" comes from Old English and means "with woman." Midwifes have helped women deliver babies since the beginning of history. References to Midwifes are found in ancient Hindu records, in Greek and Roman manuscripts, and even in the Bible.

As early as 1560, Parisian Midwifes had to pass a licensing examination and abide by regulations to practice. Not all Midwifes had this level of education, however. English Midwifes received little formal training and weren't licensed until 1902. America inherited the English model of midwifery.

 

What are the requirements to become a certified Midwife?
Certified nurse-Midwifes (CNMs) are RNs with advanced training in midwifery that allows them to care for expectant mothers and to provide a range of clinical services for women.  They examine women during pregnancy; manage labor; deliver infants; and after birth, care for the newborn and mother.  Other duties include preventive health care, counseling, prescribing medication (most States), conducting clinical research, and teaching.  All 50 States have recognized nurse-midwifery as a legal profession. Certified nurse-Midwifes may choose private practice or be employed in hospitals, independent birthing centers, or clinics.  Hours will vary, although CNMs are usually on call and must be available to expectant mothers at all times. 

Any registered nurse may seek certified nurse-midwife status.  A certification program involves up to 12 months of training, while a master's program usually takes 2 years.  All entrants into these CNM training programs must already have a bachelor's degree or will be awarded one upon graduation.  The American College of Nurse-Midwifes conducts a national examination of licensing in all 50 States. 

 
 
Sarah S. Kurtz CNM
 

Ms. Kurtz received her B.S. in Nursing from Liberty University, her Masters of Nursing specializing in Midwifery from East Carolina University and joined the practice in 2006

 

 

  
 

 
 

 

 

Ms. Weppler received her B.S. in Nursing from the State University of New York, her Masters of Nursing specializing in Midwifery from East Carolina University and joined the practice in 2007.