The midwife's job doesn't end when your baby is born. They are specialized health care providers who offer a range of services to women at all stages of life. Although helping women through pregnancy, labor and delivery are primary services that certified nurse midwives offer, you'll find that these licensed professionals provide much more.

Keep in mind, only licensed certified nurse midwives have the training and credentials to offer all of these services. Certified Nurse Midwives (also known as CNMs) are registered nurses. On top of a bachelor's in nursing, the CNM must also have a graduate degree in midwifery and pass the American Midwifery Certification Board national examination.

1. Annual exams. Midwives are trained to provide yearly gynecological examinations, according to the American Pregnancy Association. What does this mean for you? If you're using (or have used) a midwife during your pregnancy, you can continue to see the same health-care provider afterwards. This provides a sense of comfort and continuity of care. As a bonus, you don't have to worry about finding a new doctor or having your medical records transferred to a different office.

2. Menopausal management. As you're getting ready to leave your child-bearing years behind, you don't have to also leave your midwife. These professionals are also capable of providing information, hormonal management and other care during the next stage of your life.

3. Family planning. Whether you've already had children or you aren't ready to yet, these specialists can help you to decide on what birth control method is right for you. The nurse midwife can give you information on different methods, educate you on appropriate choices and provide the contraception in her office.

4. Care for teens. Midwives don't just care for adult women. The American College of Nurse Midwives notes that these medical pros often provide services for adolescents. This may include contraception education, regular checkups, information on and treatment of sexually-transmitted diseases or care for other problem issues.

5. Education and health promotion. Even though CNMs provide clinical services to patients, they also often offer educational programs or provide health promotion knowledge. For example, a midwife may offer an informational lecture on preventing STDs, engage a woman's group in a discussion on menopause and change of life needs or create pamphlets and other similar materials on family planning practices.

The midwife's job goes well beyond the scope of pregnancy. While CNMs are known for helping women through the pregnancy process and delivering babies, these highly-trained medical experts also offer an array of services across your lifespan. 

For more information, contact Women's Healthcare Associates LLC or a similar organization.