For 33 years, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) have been an integral part of Franciscan Health System Women’s and Children’s services. October 6 is National Midwifery Week and we honor all our Certified Nurse Midwives for their care and support that they give to expectant mothers.
A CNM is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) with formal education and training in well woman, gynecological and primary care that allows them to practice medicine and care for a woman’s needs. All of Franciscan’s CNMs either practice in a clinic or deliver in the Family Birth Center.
“Last year, our midwives delivered 40 percent of the babies born at St. Joseph Medical Center, “said Mary LaFalce, Associate Vice President, Franciscan Women’s & Children’s Services. “Our midwives are an invaluable part of our medical team. They bring professionalism, compassion and dedication to their work that makes Franciscan a wonderful place to bring your child into the world.”
All of Franciscan’s CNMs hold a Master’s degree and are board certified through the American Midwifery Certification Board. Midwives can prescribe medications and offer pain relief during labor. They also care for women beyond pregnancy and some midwives see women through non-childbearing years.
Franciscan has 17 midwives located at the following facilities:
Franciscan Women’s Health Associates – Pearl Place (Tacoma)
Franciscan Women’s Health Associates at St. Clare (Lakewood)
Franciscan Women’s Health Associates at St. Joseph (Tacoma)
Franciscan Women’s Health Associates – Gig Harbor (opening November)
Franciscan also enjoys a partnership with GroupHealth and their Certified Nurse Midwives who deliver at the Family Birth Center at St. Joseph Medical Center.