The study examined singleton vaginal births in the entire United States in 1991 that were delivered between 34- 43 weeks of gestation by either physicians or certified nurse-midwives. The study controlled for medical variables related to high-risk pregnancies, medical and obstetrical problems and other complications. After statistically controlling for those factors the risk of experiencing an infant death was 19% lower for births attended by certified nurse midwives (CNM) than those attended by physicians (MD/DO). Furthermore the risk of death in the first 28 days of life was 33% lower and the risk of delivering a baby with low birth weight was 31% lower.

CNM attended a larger percentage of women who were at higher risk for poor outcomes and despite that, the birth outcomes for the midwifery attended births was still better when controlling for the high risk births attended by MD's. >The difference between the CNM's and MD's may be partially explained in the midwifery practices related to prenatal care, education, patient participation, spending more time with patients at all stages of their pregnancy, close personal and constant supervision of their laboring patients in labor and birth. CNM's provide a great deal of emotional support prenatal and provide a one-to one labor support during the entire labor and birth process. Unfortunately only 6% of the US population have had the opportunity of being cared for a CNM but the number is increasing. It is important that pregnant women have an opportunity to understand their choices in pregnancy and childbirth. In the US, CNM's are licensed professionals. Check out the other sections of this web site for help with making those choices. Also see the other sections of this web site on midwifery and links to other midwifery sites including the one to the American College of Nurse-Midwives. The first week in October was Nurse-Midwifery Week. - Let's celebrate this landmark study that has shown the efficacy of these wonderful health care providers CERTIFIED NURSE-MIDWIVES.