Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) became their own division in FY22 to help differentiate their model of clinical care and signal their independent practice. CNMs are experts in well-person care and physiologic birth grounded in evidence-based practice.
 

The Midwifery Division aims to:

• Empower clients and families to reach their optimal health through shared decision-making.

• Educate future healthcare providers that embrace a model of collaborative, team-based care.

• Initiate and participate in research that enhances the quality of care for people in Iowa and beyond.

• Promote an approach to care that is respectful and professional.

• Engage in and model respectful and effective communication with patients, peers, and the health care team.

• Participate in system-wide and state initiatives that allow us to contribute to the improvement of health.
   

The Midwifery Division includes 15 full-time and five PRN nurse-midwives who provide full-scope, evidence-based obstetric and gynecologic care. The midwives have clinics at the Medical Center University campus, Iowa River Landing, North Dodge Street, Muscatine, Washington, and Cedar Rapids. In addition to their regular clinics, the CNMS participate in the following specialty clinics: Menopause, colposcopy clinic, three CNMs are part time in the MFM practice, and one CNM shares her time in the department of Psychology doing Women’s Wellness. The CNMs have many learners in their clinics and in labor and delivery, including midwifery students, medical students, PA and NP students and residents.

In 2023 the midwifery division recruited its first class for the Nurse Midwifery Education Program, to train the next  generation of midwives in Iowa. These students integrated well into the clinical practice at UI Health Care and are a feature of our multidisciplinary care in our department.

In 2025, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the first-ever class of nurse midwives from University of Iowa Health Care. What began as an idea on paper is now a reality with four incredible graduates joining the profession to support women and childbirth across the state.