Melissa L. West, ARNP

Advanced Practice Midwife

Ms. Melissa L. West is an Advanced Practice Midwife in Tacoma, WA with special training and skill in childbirth assistance and treating mothers and infants before, during, and after pregnancy. As an Advanced Practice Midwife, Melissa L. West, ARNP performs prenatal, delivery, and post natal care and education. Advanced Practice Midwifery is a type of advanced practice registered nurse. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Advanced Practice Midwives include pregnancy and pregnancy complications. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Advanced Practice Midwives include pregnancy monitoring, prenatal nutrition, childbirth assistance, and postpartum care.

Midwifery practice as conducted by certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) is the independent management of women's health care, focusing particularly on pregnancy, childbirth, the post partum period, care of the newborn, and the family planning and gynecologic needs of women. The CNM and CM practice within a health care system that provides for consultation, collaborative management, or referral, as indicated by the health status of the client. CNMs and CMs practice in accord with the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery, as defined by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).