CNMs: what value do they bring?
Trained to provide comprehensive and personalized treatment (prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum and newborn services, gynecological and family planning care), data consistently supports the benefits of CNM-led care.
According to the March of Dimes’ 2024 Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S. Report, CNMs play a vital role in improving outcomes for both mothers and babies. However, only 27 states and Washington, D.C. grant CNMs full practice authority. By limiting their ability to practice independently in much of the country, CNMs are seen as less capable than physicians, fueling a misconception that continues to hinder access to high-quality maternity care.
Source: March of Dimes, Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the US 2024 REPORT
How CNMs affect maternal and newborn outcomes
Studies show that CNM-led care is associated with lower rates of cesarean births, fewer medical interventions and increased patient satisfaction.
In 2022, CNMs attended 10.9% of all U.S births (rates varying by state). In areas where CNMs are fully integrated into healthcare systems, patients experience more accessible, cost-effective and holistic care.
Are CNMs the solution to the women's health workforce crisis?
The U.S. is currently facing a shortage of obstetric clinicians. Despite a growing population of reproductive aged women, the obstetric workforce fails to keep pace with demand. In 2021, an estimated 2.5 million women of reproductive aged lived in counties without an obstetric clinician, and nearly 158,000 births occurred to women living in these counties.
Nearly half (47%) of U.S. counties have no OB-GYN, and more than 60% lack a CNM or certified midwife. Rural areas are disproportionately affected — 58% of rural counties have no obstetric clinician at all.
While OB-GYNs remain vital, especially for high-risk pregnancies and surgical interventions, the growing shortfall calls for a broader solution. CNMs, along with nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician associates (PAs), are essential to maintaining and expanding access to women’s healthcare.
It is projected that by 2030, the CNM workforce will grow by 32%, with supply outpacing demand by 2,690 full-time equivalents (FTEs). This increase positions CNMs as key players in alleviating the OB-GYN shortage and ensuring continuity of care.
Why you should you take notice
CNMs play a crucial role in providing maternal care in areas where there is a shortage of OB-GYNs. This is especially true for rural communities, where 36% of all US counties are designated maternal care deserts.
As the number of OB-GYNs declines, this trend is expected to continue, making CNMs essential for accessible maternal care.
Our case study highlights the real-world impact of CNMs in rural communities. When a facility facing challenges in OB-GYN coverage was matched with a highly qualified CNM, the community's needs were not only met but also surpassed through compassionate and consistent care.
Source: March of Dimes, Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the US 2024 REPORT
As CNMs become more embedded in health systems, they are proving essential to the future of maternal care.
The healthcare system cannot meet the growing needs of women without leveraging the full capabilities of CNMs.
As we look to the future, the role of CNMs will only become more vital. With more than 14,000 CNMs currently practicing in the U.S., they are not just part of the solution, but key to accessible maternal and newborn healthcare.
Addressing the issues: LocumTenens.com and March of Dimes
To address the lack of access to valuable knowledge available throughout the country, LocumTenens.com is proud to partner with March of Dimes for an educational series focused on enhancing maternal care.
Facilities are in need of solutions, and these three distinctive course topics provide the knowledge and skills to address access to treatment while ensuring women are provided with care before, during and after pregnancy.
For more information, visit the Thrive Together landing page.
About the author
Greyson Bargeron
Senior Account Executive - Recruiting
Originally from Macon, GA, Greyson Bargeron graduated from the University of North Georgia and has spent the past seven years at LocumTenens.com as a physician and advanced practitioner recruiter. Bargeron specializes in women's health, dermatology, ENT and urology, partnering with healthcare professionals and facilities to ensure the highest quality staffing solutions. Outside of work, he is passionate about exploring new countries each year, skydiving and staying active through pickleball.
