Which professional is explicitly identified as performing postpartum examinations?

• A. CNA
• B. RN
• C. Certified midwife
• D. CNS

Answer: (C)

Postpartum examinations are a key part of obstetric care and require specialized training in the postpartum period. A certified midwife is explicitly identified to perform these exams because their role includes providing comprehensive obstetric care from prenatal through the postpartum period, which includes assessing recovery after delivery, monitoring healing, and planning ongoing maternal care.

While a CNA assists with basic patient care and a registered nurse can perform postpartum assessments as part of a team, the explicit designation in the relevant practice framework ties postpartum exams to the certified midwife. A clinical nurse specialist focuses on expert practice within a specialty and consultative roles, rather than the routine postpartum examination as a primary independent function.