How to find a certified nurse midwife near you
A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse with additional training and certification to deliver babies, manage pregnancy care, and provide gynecological services. To find one in your area, you have four main routes: ask your primary care doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company's provider directory, search the American College of Nurse-Midwives directory online, or call your local hospital's obstetrics department and ask which midwives are credentialed there.
The fastest method is usually your insurance provider directory, because it shows you which midwives are in-network and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. If you do not have insurance or are uninsured, your county health department or a federally may have access to health center (FQHC) can connect you to midwives who offer sliding-scale fees based on income.
When you call to schedule, ask whether the midwife attends births at a hospital, birth center, or home setting — this matters because not all midwives practice in all three locations, and your preference may narrow your options significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Your insurance company's provider directory is the fastest way to find in-network midwives and see your actual costs before you call.
- The American College of Nurse-Midwives directory lets you search by state and city and verify that a midwife holds current certification.
- Hospital obstetrics departments can tell you which credentialed midwives deliver there, which matters if you want a hospital birth.
- County health departments and federally may have access to health centers offer midwife services on a sliding scale if you are uninsured or have low income.
- Confirm the birth setting (hospital, birth center, or home) when you call, because not all midwives practice in all three.
Using your insurance provider directory
Log into your insurance company's website or call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. Ask for the obstetrics or maternity provider directory, or search for "midwife" in their online search tool. The directory will show you the midwife's name, location, hospital affiliation, and whether they are accepting new patients.
Write down the midwife's phone number and the name of the hospital or birth center where they practice. Before you call to schedule, ask your insurance company what your copay or coinsurance will be for prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum care — these costs vary widely depending on your plan.
If your insurance directory shows no midwives in your area, call your insurance company directly and ask whether they cover out-of-network midwives and what percentage they will pay. Some plans cover out-of-network providers at a lower rate, which may still be cheaper than paying out of pocket.
Searching the American College of Nurse-Midwives directory
Go to the American College of Nurse-Midwives website (midwife.org) and click on "Find a Midwife." Enter your state and city, and the directory will show you all certified midwives in that area. Each listing includes the midwife's credentials, contact information, and practice setting.
The directory confirms that a midwife holds current certification, which is important because certification must be renewed every three years. If a midwife appears in this directory, you know they have met the national standards for education and testing.
Note that this directory does not show whether a midwife is in-network with your insurance, so you will still need to check your insurance provider directory or call your insurance company before scheduling. The ACNM directory is most useful for confirming credentials and finding midwives in rural areas where insurance directories may be incomplete.
Asking your hospital's obstetrics department
Call the labor and delivery unit at the hospital where you want to give birth. Tell them you are looking for a certified nurse midwife and ask which midwives have privileges to deliver there. The hospital can give you names, phone numbers, and information about whether each midwife is accepting new patients.
This method is especially useful if you have a strong preference for a particular hospital. Some hospitals have midwife-led clinics where you can schedule your first visit directly through the hospital system, which simplifies the process of getting your records transferred and coordinating care.
Ask the hospital whether the midwives work independently or as part of a team with obstetricians. Some practices have midwives who handle routine pregnancies and call in an obstetrician if complications arise; others have midwives and doctors working side by side from the start. Understanding the structure helps you know what to expect if your pregnancy becomes high-risk.
Finding low-cost or sliding-scale midwife services
If you are uninsured or have low income, call your county health department and ask for the maternal health program or women's health clinic. Many county health departments employ certified nurse midwives or contract with local midwives to provide prenatal care and delivery services on a sliding-scale fee basis, meaning you pay based on what you earn.
Federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) also offer midwife services on a sliding scale. To find an FQHC near you, visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov or call 211 and ask for maternal health services in your area. FQHCs are required by law to serve patients regardless of ability to pay.
Some birth centers operate on a sliding scale or offer payment plans. Call birth centers in your area directly and ask about their fee structure and whether they work with uninsured patients. Many will negotiate a total fee for prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum visits if you pay in full upfront or in installments.
What to ask when you call to schedule
When you reach a midwife's office, have these details ready: your insurance information (if you have it), your due date or the date of your last menstrual period, and whether you have any known medical conditions. Ask the following questions before scheduling your first visit:
- Are you accepting new patients, and what is your next available appointment?
- Do you deliver at a hospital, birth center, or home, or some combination of these?
- What is your backup plan if complications arise during pregnancy or labor?
- What is the total cost for prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum visits, and what does your insurance cover?
- Do you attend births 24/7, or are there times when you are not available?
- How many patients do you typically see per day, and how long are prenatal appointments?
Write down the answers so you can compare if you are considering multiple midwives. The birth setting and backup plan are especially important because they affect where you will deliver and who will be present if something unexpected happens.
Understanding the difference between midwives and obstetricians
A certified nurse midwife is a registered nurse with a master's degree and specialized training in pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Midwives focus on normal pregnancy and birth and typically spend more time with each patient than obstetricians do. They often encourage movement during labor, delayed cord clamping, and skin-to-skin contact after birth.
An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy and birth and is trained to manage high-risk pregnancies and surgical deliveries. If your pregnancy develops complications, your midwife will refer you to an obstetrician or work alongside one.
Some people choose a midwife because they prefer a less medical approach to normal pregnancy; others choose an obstetrician because they want a doctor present from the start. Many practices employ both, so you can see a midwife for routine care and an obstetrician if needed. There is no single right choice — it depends on your preferences, your health history, and what is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a certified nurse midwife?
No, you can contact a midwife directly and schedule an appointment without a referral. However, if you want your primary care doctor to coordinate your care, you can ask for a referral, and your doctor's office can send your medical records to the midwife before your first visit.
Will my insurance cover a certified nurse midwife?
Most insurance plans cover certified nurse midwives at the same rate as obstetricians, but coverage varies by plan and by whether the midwife is in-network. Check your insurance provider directory or call your insurance company to confirm coverage and your out-of-pocket costs before scheduling.
Can a certified nurse midwife deliver my baby at home?
Some certified nurse midwives attend home births, but not all do. When you call to schedule, ask specifically whether the midwife offers home birth services. Home birth requires careful planning and a backup plan in case transfer to a hospital becomes necessary during labor.
What happens if something goes wrong during pregnancy or labor with a midwife?
Certified nurse midwives are trained to recognize complications and refer you to an obstetrician or hospital. Ask your midwife about their backup plan and which obstetrician or hospital they work with before labor begins, so you know what to expect if a complication arises.
How far in advance should I schedule with a midwife?
Many midwives book up several months in advance, especially in areas with few midwives. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, call as soon as you know you want to see a midwife. If the midwife you want is not accepting new patients, ask when they expect to have an opening or whether they can refer you to another midwife.