Midwives Vs. Nurse-Midwives - What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered about the difference between midwives and nurse-midwives?
The terms “midwife” and “nurse-midwife” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. While all midwives are trained to provide the same level of care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, their paths to practice do differ in some areas.
Breakdown of CNMs, CMs, and CPMs
There are three main types of midwives - Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Certified Midwives (CMs), and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). Below is a breakdown of their key differences:
CNM - Certified Nurse Midwife
Registered Nurse (RN) + Graduate Degree in Midwifery (Master’s or Doctorate)
Certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB); Licensed in all 50 states
Full-scope maternity care, including prenatal, birth, postpartum, gynecological, and primary care; Can prescribe medications
Can practice in hospitals, birth centers, home births (where legally permitted)
Legal and licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), but require a collaborative agreement with a physician to prescribe medications
CM - Certified Midwife
Graduate Degree in Midwifery, but without a nursing background
Certified by AMCB; Licensed in some states, but not all
Provides the same care as a CNM but without a nursing degree; Cannot prescribe in some states
May practice in hospitals, birth centers, home births (depending on state regulations)
Not recognized in Ohio—CMs cannot legally practice in the state
CPM - Certified Professional Midwife
Trained through an accredited midwifery program or apprenticeship; Focused on out-of-hospital birth
Certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM); Licensure varies by state
Specializes in home birth and birth center care for low-risk pregnancies; Does not provide hospital-based care or general women’s healthcare
Birth Centers, Home Births
Not licensed in Ohio—CPMs operate in a legal gray area
Advocacy efforts continue to push for CPM licensure in Ohio to expand midwifery care access, particularly for families seeking out-of-hospital birth options. Regulatory changes could provide greater legal clarity, improved safety measures, and increased options for midwifery care statewide.
Which Type of Midwife Is Right for You?
Choosing between a CNM, CPM, or other type of midwife depends on factors such as birth preferences, desired setting, and state regulations. Those seeking a hospital birth or a midwife with prescriptive authority may opt for a CNM, while those planning an out-of-hospital birth may prefer a CPM or another midwife trained in home birth settings.
Regardless of the chosen provider, midwifery care has been proven to improve birth outcomes, lower intervention rates, and provide a more personalized approach to maternity care.
