Certified Nurse-Midwives

FAQs about the Certified Nurse-Midwives at Rosemark

Will I need to choose one CNM at Rosemark?

There are four CNMs at Rosemark: Natalie Daniels, Bonnie Rivas, Katie Fenske, and Valerie Morris.  These women work as a team to provide great care. One of our CNMs is always on call (along with a physician if needed). We don’t know who will be on call when your baby arrives, so we want you to schedule visits with each of our certified nurse-midwives during your routine visits. Our goal is listen and help you have the kind of birth experience you desire.

What is a certified nurse-midwife (CNM)?

Certified nurse-midwives are licensed health care providers educated in nursing and midwifery. CNMs have the highest level of education of all midwives. The CNMs at Rosemark have earned both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. They are advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners) that have the added education and training to care for women in pregnancy and childbirth. Most of the midwives in the US are nurse-midwives, but the United States has other types of midwives.

What do nurse-midwives do?

CNMs attend around 10% of all births in the United States. CNMs also provide health care to women throughout the lifespan: annual exams, birth control planning, menopause, health counseling, prenatal care, birth, and newborn care. CNMs diagnose, write prescriptions and consult, collaborate and refer like all health care providers.

Why would I choose a certified nurse-midwife for care during my pregnancy?

CNMs specialize in support, regular health care, and helping you get any additional care. CNMs are experts in knowing the difference between normal changes in pregnancy and symptoms that require extra attention.

What if I have a “high-risk” pregnancy or complication during labor?

Your certified nurse-midwife will prescribe medicine and order treatment for any common illness in pregnancy. CNMs work with the doctors who specialize in illness during pregnancy. CNMs work closely with physicians to make sure that you get the best and safest care for you and your baby. CNMs also work with other health care providers: doulas, nutritionists, nurses, physical therapists and other specialists.

What if I want pain medication in labor?

Midwife means “with woman”. If you decide you want pain medication or an epidural in labor, your CNMs are there to support you in your decisions.

What if I end up with a cesarean section?

The CNMs at Rosemark go into the operating room and assist physicians with any of their patient’s that require a cesarean section. CNMs are qualified to assist and want to be there with you during this important time.