nurse-midwife

noun

nurse-mid·​wife ˈnərs-ˈmid-ˌwīf 

: a registered nurse with additional training as a midwife who delivers infants and provides prenatal and postpartum care, newborn care, and some routine care (such as gynecological exams) of women

nurse-midwifery

ˈnərs-ˌmid-ˈwi-f(ə-)rē  -ˈwī- 

-ˈmid-ˌwī-

noun

Examples of nurse-midwife in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the bills, introduced by Stefani, expands the ability of certified nurse-midwives to provide care for pregnant and postpartum patients by specifying that supervision by a physician is not required when providing certain services. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Postpartum hair loss usually begins about three months after delivery, and then re-growth begins to happen starting at about six months, according to Tania Lopez, CNM, certified nurse-midwife at Pediatrix Medical Group. — Parents, 25 June 2026

Midwives say physician agreements create barriers Sixteen states require some form of collaborative agreement with a physician for a nurse-midwife to practice. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026

Midwives and certified nurse-midwives are also worth considering for low-risk patients who want more time and a more relational style of care. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nurse-midwife

• afterlife
• pocketknife
• alewife
• birdlife
• folklife
• housewife
• jackknife
• midlife
• midwife
• nightlife
• penknife
• wildlife

Medical Definition

nurse-midwife

noun

plural nurse-midwives

: a registered nurse with additional training as a midwife who is certified to deliver infants and provide prenatal and postpartum care, newborn care, and some routine care (as gynecological exams) of women