Background & Goals
The Center for Midwifery (CFM) at the University of Colorado College of Nursing provides access to comprehensive, person-centered, high-quality care across the Colorado front range. Within the United States, including Colorado where this model is based, there are notable challenges related maternity care access, including nurse-led midwifery care. Patients desiring the midwifery philosophy of maternity care have had to consider alternative options because of access challenges. The CFM model fills a need for access to certified nurse-midwives, evidence based, and care options to support patients in achieving their desired “birth wishes” for their care.
The CFM model was started in 2004 to serve the Aurora community but has expanded across the state of Colorado. The CFM model continues to identify additional opportunities in the state with the goal of expanding access to Coloradoans in areas where nurse-midwifery are is not easily accessible.
The CFM approach to care incorporates support, evidence, guidance, high touch care, and expert midwifery skills to patients of all ages. The practice provides a substantial portion of care to the pregnant population which focuses on the natural and healthy aspects of care. The goal is to provide a safe, satisfying experience that provides an opportunity of empowerment and a supported transition to parenthood.
Program Description
The Center for Midwifery (CFM) practice is a nurse-led model of care that focuses on comprehensive, person-centered, evidenced-based care. The CFM model has its own practice case load, focuses on health promotion, provides continuity of care throughout the lifespan, and has a robust referral network. In addition, the model focuses on providing a labor and birth experience that includes a variety of labor support options like hydrotherapy, water birth, aromatherapy, nitrous oxide, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit application.
The practice encourages every pregnant patient to complete a “birth wishes” list that outlines what they envision for their labor and birth experience. The “birth wishes” centers the patient as the navigator of their care experience.
The CFM structure includes a core team of certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) who are dedicated to each specific practice location: CFM Lone Tree, CFM Anschutz Medical Campus or CFM Lone Tree. Each practice has a midwife lead to support the operation activities and is part of the larger University of Colorado College of Nursing midwifery leadership team. The midwives are full-scope and provide care in the inpatient and outpatient setting.
Evidence of Success
The Center for Midwifery model has contributed to outstanding outcomes within all the systems and hospitals where care is provided. As a result of the model, the University of Colorado Hospital was identified by US News and World report as #1 in Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in Colorado.
The CFM model has long-standing low rates of cesarean sections (11-13%), low episiotomy rate (≤ 1%), and successful VBAC rate (80%).
Financial stability is maintained through streamlined staffing, consistent ambulatory volumes, and accurate billing practices – submitting over $8 million in charges each year.