Why does Hilary Erickson advocate for certified nurse midwives over traditional OBs?

Hilary Erickson really advocates for certified nurse midwives (CNMs) because of how they care for low‑risk pregnancies, not because she is “against” OBs.

From years in OB nursing, here is what stands out to her about CNMs in the hospital setting:

• More personalized, relationship-based care and usually longer visits
• Generally more natural, low‑intervention approach (lower inductions, epidurals, C‑sections in low‑risk groups)
• More continuous presence and emotional support in labor
• Still within the hospital, with OBs available if things become high risk

She also emphasizes that:

• CNMs are meant for uncomplicated pregnancies and should transfer to an OB when risk increases
• Some OBs practice very “midwifey,” and some midwives are very medical, so the individual provider and practice matter more than the title

Would you like help deciding whether a CNM or OB might be a better fit for your own pregnancy situation?