Types of Midwives
Before we begin, let’s explain what exactly a midwife is and what she does. A midwife, according to the American Pregnancy Association, is a “healthcare professional who provides an array of health care services for women including gynecological examinations, contraceptive counseling, prescriptions [in states where licensure is in place], and labor and delivery care.”
A midwife attends births in hospitals, clients’ homes, and birthing centers. There are several different types of midwives, some of which you may or may not be aware of.
Below you will find a description of each, per the American Pregnancy Association:
🔹Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): a midwife trained and licensed in nursing and midwifery. Nurse-midwives should have a BSN (Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing) from an accredited institution and then pursue an advanced degree (Master’s degree) in Midwifery. CNMs are certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
🔹Certified International Midwife (CIM): a midwife with extensive knowledge and experience in International out-of-hospital Pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. International Registry of Midwives require a minimum of 75 births for entry level Midwives working under a preceptor and a minimum of 150 births for Experienced Midwives seeking Certification; a portion of these births must take place in low resource/high risk settings.
🔹Certified Midwife (CM): an individual trained and certified in midwifery. Certified midwives must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. They are also certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
🔹Certified Professional Midwife (CPM): an individual who is trained in midwifery and meets standards of the North American Registry of Midwives. Multiple educational backgrounds are recognized to become a CPM.
🔹Direct-Entry Midwife (DEM): an independent individual trained in midwifery through various sources that may include apprenticeship, self-study, a midwifery school, or a college/university program.
🔹Lay Midwife: an individual who is not certified or licensed as a midwife but has received informal training through self-study or apprenticeship.
In terms of education, CNMs and CMs are required to have a graduate degree for certification through the American College of Nurse-Midwives. CNMs and CMs also must hold at minimum either a registered nurse license or have completed health and sciences courses respectively. There are no specific requirements for CPM credentialing but prerequisites may include childbirth and doula experience, high school diploma, and equivalent courses in health and science.
CNMs and CMs are covered by some private insurances (policy dependent) and most (but not all) state Medicaid programs as well as Medicare and Tricare. Check with your specific health insurance plan for coverage regarding home births attended by CPMs and DEMs. Certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives typically attend hospital births. They are also licensed to “provide initial and ongoing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment; … conduct physical examinations; prescribe medications including controlled substances and contraceptive methods; admit, manage and discharge patients; order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests and order the use of medical devices” according to Midwife.org.
