midwiferyinformation

Midwives are often versed in the art of understanding a women's needs and making them feel safe. They achieve this by appreciating a woman's birth experience as a natural expression of who she is, they care for her emotionally and spiritually as well as physically. By understanding that birth can be a beautiful, strengthening, and healing experience, they cherish the entire process as a sacred interaction between mother and child.

In the United States there are three types of midwives. They are diferentiated by education, experience, scope of practice, and certifications. The following information will help to clarify their similarities, differences, educational requirements and scope of practice.

I. Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) or Certified Midwives (CM) are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. There are approximately 6000 certified midwives practicing in the U.S. today. CNM's complete an accredited programs of the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), which requires a Bachelor degree in nursing for admission. CM's are also trained in accredited programs of the ACNM which requires a Bachelor's degree, but not specifically in nursing. CNM's are trained as both nurses and midwives, with their primary focus being midwifery. After successfully completing the required coursework, CNM's and CM's can sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) national examination which validates skills, knowledge and experience. After passing this examination, the CNM or CM obtains the title of Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). During their career they participate in continuing education, and are licensed by state regulatory agencies.

II. Licensed or Certified (direct entry) Midwives practice home births or in birth centers. Their training includes a combination of schooling, self-study and apprenticeship. Upon completion of their training they must meet requirements for practice which include documented experience, and passing a skills and didactic exam from the Midwives' Alliance of North America (MANA).

III. Lay or Empirical Midwives, sometimes called direct entry midwives, recieve their training in a variety of different ways. These midwives are not certified through a national organization, but in no way should this devalue their skills. These midwives may not be certified for a number of reasons. In some states certification is not required or some may choose not to become certified and be mandated by protocols and regulations.

Why choose a nurse-midwife?

Midwives are skilled in the art and science of birthing. They provide individualized care and minimize medical interventions. Midwives view birth as a normal and healthy process that is respected rather than feared. Midwives provide constant support, and women are not made to fit into hospital routines and schedules, in fact in most cases, women are encouraged to move around all they want, eat, drink, and labor in any position they desire.

What about safety?

In the United States, physicians oversee 95 percent of all births. In Europe, where infant mortality rates are superior to ours, midwives attend 75 percent of births. In fact, in every single one of the nations where infant mortality rates are lower than ours, midwives are the principal birth attendants.

Isn't it safer to have a baby in a hospital?

No, several studies have shown that a planned home birth is extremely safe. Remember, the midwife is the specialist in NORMAL maternity care. Most women, (80% or more) have problem-free pregnancies and labors. By education and experience the midwife is able to recognize any potential or actual problem which may arise, and is legally obliged to consult with a medical colleague in these cases.

Aren't midwives just nurses with extra training?

No, midwifery is a completely different profession from nursing. It is not necessary to be a nurse in order to become a midwife, although many practicing midwives also hold nurse qualifications in addition to their midwifery registration. Practicing midwives are able to take sole responsibility for the care of women and babies.