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Certified nurse-midwives are Registered Nurses who have completed graduate-level training in midwifery and who have passed a national certification exam. They specialize in the care of women through the life cycle, with particular focus on the course of normal pregnancy, labor, and birth. The word midwife is defined as a woman who is "with women" at birth. Certified Nurse-Midwives practice under a philosophy of care that focuses on the specific needs of women, empowers women to actively participate in their health care, and minimizes unnecessary intervention.

Certified nurse-midwives are highly educated professionals who work collaboratively with physicians. They view uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth as a normal part of a woman’s life cycle. At the same time, they recognize the physical and emotional needs of a woman during this life-changing event and beyond. When pregnancies and births become complicated, the Certified Nurse-Midwife works in close cooperation with obstetricians who can intervene when medically necessary.

When telling their birth stories, women who experience pregnancy and labor with midwives frequently use words such as empowering, amazing, wonderful, and unforgettable. These sentiments represent a feeling of confidence inspired by a relationship of deep trust built over many months. Personalized care, education, support, and listening are hallmarks of traditional midwifery care. The midwifery philosophy stresses respect for the woman as an active participant in her own healthcare and birth.

At Trover, Certified Nurse-Midwives have been providing quality care to women since 1992. They provide primary healthcare to women of childbearing age including: prenatal care, labor and delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, newborn care, lactation support, assistance with family planning decisions, preconception care, menopausal management, and counseling in health maintenance and disease prevention. In addition, Trover is the exclusive provider of the CenteringPregnancy prenatal program in Western Kentucky. Centering is a model of care which empowers women through assessment, education, and support in a small group setting for prenatal care. Trover has been a CenteringPregnancy site since 2006, receiving national recognition for improved pregnancy outcomes.

Midwifery care is on the rise as more women seek the personal care midwives provide. Certified nurse-midwives have been ushering American women through pregnancy and other normal stages of life since the early 1900s. If midwifery care sounds right for you, call today to arrange a meeting with one of Trover’s Certified Nurse-Midwives and learn more about your options.