OBHG Medical Director of Operations Dr. Stephen Bashuk discusses the important relationship between OB/GYNs and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) in the latest episode of the Obstetrics Podcast. He offers his unique perspective as an OB hospitalist, having worked with both hospital-based and community CNMs during his career.
When Dr. Bashuk was starting out in residency, he worked with certified nurse midwives every day at Grady Hospital in Atlanta. He says that he learned many labor management skills from the midwives. Dr. Bashuk shares why he believes CNMs are such valuable members of the labor and delivery team. Not only are CNMs highly trained, but they also spend time with the laboring patient and observe detailed symptoms that is communicated to the physicians, ultimately improving the patient’s care experience.
Arkansas, where Dr. Bashuk currently works as an OB hospitalist, has challenges with maternal access. Of 70 counties in the state, half don’t have any obstetric provider. To address this challenge, Dr. Bashuk recently testified to help pass a law that gave independent scope of practice to midwives in the state. This law helps CNMs provide maternal care so pregnant women don’t have to travel great distances for their prenatal checkups. Many patients do not get the prenatal care they need due to travel and resource disparities like time away from work. This law also helps address OB/GYN shortages in the state.
“I think we have to fix the access problem in this country. And I think midwives are a big part of that solution. And I want every woman to get care for their baby.”
Dr. Bashuk also discusses maternal morbidity and mortality and how working with CNMs can help make a huge difference in women’s healthcare in our country. He also provides tips for OB/GYNs on working with CNMs.
Listen to the Obstetrics Podcast and learn more about the OB/GYN and CNM relationship.