Midwifery Care Is On The Rise: What You Should Know

Midwives are becoming increasingly popular as a choice for maternity care in the United States, but there are still many misunderstandings about their role. In this three-part series, we aim to clarify exactly what midwifery care is and why it is growing in popularity.

Although nurse midwives have gained recognition thanks to shows like "Call the Midwife," midwifery care is still sometimes seen as a less desirable option than traditional OB-GYN care. However, the midwifery model of care prioritizes normalcy and wellness, empowering women to take greater ownership of their health and pregnancy.

The midwifery model of care also focuses on building a trusting relationship between the provider and the pregnant person, allowing for shared decision-making and normalizing pregnancy and labor as natural life processes. This is a desirable choice for many millennials who want to have a voice in their own healthcare decisions.

Midwives come in four types:

• Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)
  Certified Nurse Midwives, also known as Nurse Midwives, have undergone both nursing school and additional graduate studies in midwifery. As a result, they are eligible to work in all birth settings, hospitals, homes, and birth centers included. Moreover, CNMs are authorized to write prescriptions in all 50 states. In addition to primary healthcare, they are also qualified to provide reproductive healthcare to patients.
  

• Certified Midwives (CM)
  Certified midwives (CM) have received the same level of graduate education and training as certified nurse midwives. However, their background is in a health field other than nursing. Like nurse midwives, they take the same exam through the American College of Nurse Midwives. It's important to note that CMs are currently only authorized to practice in Delaware, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Maine, and Rhode Island.
  

• Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs)
  Certified professional midwives are trained professionals who practice in non-hospital settings such as birth centers and private homes. To obtain certification, CPMs must complete coursework, an apprenticeship, and pass a national certifying exam. While licensed to practice in 33 states, it's not uncommon for CPMs to work in states where their credentials are not officially recognized.
  

• Traditional Midwives
  These midwives have opted out of obtaining a license to practice in the United States, but continue to provide services to birthing families in the comfort of their own homes. Their level of training and experience is diverse. Typically, these midwives serve particular communities, such as indigenous groups or religious populations like the Amish.

Benefits of midwives:

While midwives attend over two-thirds of births in some countries, such as the UK and the Netherlands, they are vastly underutilized in the United States.

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) only attend about 8 percent of births, with the majority occurring in hospital settings. Fewer than 2 percent of births take place outside of hospitals, most of which are attended by Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). Despite evidence that midwifery care can be safe and more satisfying for low-risk women and their families, many Americans are still unaware of the benefits.

Research shows that people who receive midwife care in hospitals are less likely to have cesarean deliveries or episiotomies, and more likely to breastfeed. Furthermore, states with higher levels of midwife integration into the healthcare system have better outcomes for both mothers and babies, with fewer interventions and adverse neonatal outcomes.

A recent study led by Vedam and Fisher examined midwifery integration in all 50 states, with Washington having the highest integration and the best outcomes for natural births and neonatal health

5 things to know about midwives:

1. In the United States, only 8 percent of births are attended by midwives, while in the UK and other nations, they deliver over two-thirds of babies.

2. Studies have shown that utilizing midwives often leads to better outcomes for both mothers and infants.

3. Midwives provide care for women who do not have children as well.

4. Over 50 percent of midwives consider reproductive health care to be a key aspect of their work.

5. There are four types of midwives with varying levels of education and certification.

6. Most midwives work in hospital settings

Overall, midwifery care offers a unique and valuable approach to maternal healthcare, and it's no wonder why it's becoming increasingly popular. By choosing midwifery care, women can have a more empowering and positive childbirth experience while also receiving comprehensive medical care from a trusted provider.