Primary care of women
Midwives provide care for women throughout their life spans. They care for women from adolescence through and beyond menopause. Promotion of health and prevention of disease enhance the care and health of women cared for by midwives.
How are midwives identified in New York State?
Midwives in NYS qualify for licensure through adequate and appropriate education and experience and by successfully passing the licensing exam. They then use the credential LM indicating they are licensed midwives. Nationally there is a certifying exam that awards the credential CM or CNM. Midwives in NYS have both these credentials.
Do midwives provide only maternity care?
No, they provide primary care for women throughout their life spans. They care for women from adolescence through and beyond menopause. Promotion of health and prevention of disease enhance the care and health of women cared for by midwives.
How are midwives identified in New York State?
Midwives in NYS qualify for licensure through adequate and appropriate education and experience and by successfully passing the licensing exam. They then use the credential LM indicating they are licensed midwives. Nationally there is a certifying exam that awards the credential CM or CNM. Midwives in NYS have both these credentials.
What are the rights of childbearing women?
Consideration and respect for every woman under all circumstances is the foundation of this statement of rights. For specific details on the 20 rights elaborated by Childbirth Connection go to: http://www.childbirthconnection.org/pdfs/rights_childbearing_women.pdf
Our Bodies, Our Selves has adopted these rights for their website: http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=21&compID=44
Why is midwifery care a good choice for many women?
Numerous studies have uniformly concluded that midwifery care has outcomes that are comparable to, if not better, than those of physicians when caring for similar patients. Licensed midwives are particularly adept at providing care that helps women enhance health and prevent complications. Various studies have shown the safety and favorable outcomes of women under midwifery care.
Are midwives covered by insurance?
In New York State, the insurance law requires direct access to a midwife without needing a referral. All managed care companies must cover midwives for obstetrical care or must pay for midwifery care out of network. In most manuals, midwives are usually found under OB/GYN or Specialty.