What is the role of a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?

The role of a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) primarily focuses on providing comprehensive prenatal, labor, delivery, and postnatal care to pregnant individuals. CNMs are trained to support the childbirth process, ensuring that maternal and fetal health is monitored closely throughout the pregnancy. They are skilled in offering guidance and education on various aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, helping expectant parents make informed choices about their care.

In addition to prenatal and postnatal care, CNMs often provide gynecological care, family planning services, and primary health care, emphasizing a holistic approach that supports the overall well-being of the patient. This role is critical in various settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and home births, demonstrating their versatility and expertise in midwifery.

The other options do not align with the primary functions of a Certified Nurse Midwife. Assisting in surgical operations is typically within the scope of surgical nurses or mid-level practitioners like nurse practitioners with surgical training. Diagnosing sleep disorders falls under the specialty of sleep medicine professionals, and managing patients on ventilators is generally the responsibility of critical care nurses or respiratory therapists. Thus, providing prenatal and postnatal care is indeed the correct and defining role of a CNM.