CNM vs CPM

There are many healthcare professionals categorized into varying fields and responsibilities. For example, the physician diagnoses and treats the patient; the nurse helps in the treatment and care of the patient; the pharmacist helps in dispensing drugs to the patient; the physical therapist is responsible in restoring the physical capabilities of patients; while the midwives are allowed to handle the normal, spontaneous delivery of infants.

In this article, two classes of midwife titles will be evaluated and differentiated. These are the CNM and CPM. Let us find out the differences.

“CNM” stands for “Certified Nurse Midwife” while “CPM” stand for “Certified Professional Midwife.” For a CNM, they will take up nursing as a degree and then are trained as a midwife later. For a CPM, they don’t have any nursing degree as they are directly being trained to become midwives.

CPMs are trained in home birth settings while CNMs are trained in hospital setting by obstetricians or other nurse midwives. Regarding knowledge, CNMs are better since they have a nursing degree thus there is a more holistic approach in caring for their patients with the interventions needed in case of an emergency.

In countries such as the Philippines, there is a separate exam for nurses and midwives to become a licensed midwife or a registered midwife. In the U.S., this is also the case for a CNM. They have to be trained and be licensed before practicing in giving birth for women.

Whether one is giving birth with a CNM or a CPM, one still has to investigate if the midwife is licensed, has enough experience in birth deliveries, and has enough training experience since life is at stake for both the child and the mother. Also take note of one’s pregnancy and always ask the obstetrician for the best opinion if delivery at home can be a second option rather than in the hospital since some families cannot afford it.

Summary:

1. “CNM” stands for “Certified Nurse Midwife” while “CPM” stand for “Certified Professional Midwife.”

2. For CNMs, they will take up nursing as a degree and then are trained as a midwife later. For a CPM, they don’t have any nursing degree as they are directly being trained to become midwives.
3. CPMs are trained in home birth settings while CNMs are trained in a hospital setting by obstetricians or other nurse midwives.
4. Regarding knowledge, CNMs are better since they have a nursing degree thus there is a more holistic approach in caring for their patients with the interventions needed in case of an emergency.

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