Midwives are not just for home birth

Inevitably, when I mention that I am going to school to be a "midwife" to another person while out in public I get this blank look and usually the response, "you want to do home births?" and then I have to go into my discussion about the historical progression of midwives since the 1970's. Yes, it is true that some midwives do attend home births, but the majority of midwives (about 95%) deliver babies in hospitals because that is where most women nowadays choose to give birth.  In fact, nurse midwives meet rigorous educational and licensure standards to ensure that they are competent.The present day midwife can practice in a variety of settings including home births, birth centers, and hospitals. Nurse midwives have evolved into primary care practitioners that serve women throughout all aspects of their lifespan. Midwives now function to take care of women during adolescence, pregnancy, middle adulthood, and menopause. Midwives can offer women gynecological care, prenatal care, family planning and contraception, and post menopausal care just to name a few. Midwives are able to prescribe medication to the women they serve, which means yes ladies you can have that epidural if you need it. Nurse midwives are trained in low risk care and emergencies. Nurse midwives have the backup support of a physician and can transfer care to them if high risk care or a cesarean section becomes a necessity. 

Here is where the confusion about midwives comes in. There have been several different types of midwives throughout history.

Midwifery education varies based on their credentials and it is important to choose someone based on both their education and experience as well as someone who shares the same values that you do.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

This type of midwife has gone to nursing school and received a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They have most likely had at least a year working as a registered nurse in a labor and delivery setting. CNM’s must have at least a master’s degree (the equivalent of 6+ years of higher education). CNM’s are required to take a national exam to be licensed. CNM’s are able to write prescriptions, have hospital privileges, and assist with cesarean sections if there patient needs one.

Certified Professional Midwife (CPM or CM)

This midwife has attended an educational program in midwifery. Educational length may vary. Many deliver babies in a home setting or birth center. They are not required to have been a nurse before, but are required to take the same national licensure exam as a certified nurse midwife to practice. They do not have privileges to practice at hospitals and cannot prescribe medication.

Lay Midwife

This midwife usually obtains experience through an apprenticeship with another midwife and delivers babies in a home setting. They do not have any formal education and have not taken a national licensing exam to ensure competency.

Many women that choose a midwife for their birth experience and very satisfied with the care that they receive.A midwife will be there to support whatever choice you decide during your pregnancy and birth. Midwives offer personalized, holistic care that focuses on empowering women to be involved in their own health care. Every woman should have the option to be cared for by a midwife!