What is Midwifery:  Types of Midwives

Personally, I believe that both the future of midwifery and it's continued strength as a practice rely on being able to unite under the single title of "midwife."  It is my belief that learning is a very individual thing, and that no one way of learning a skill should reign supreme.  One person may learn better in a collegiate environment, another may learn (in equal amount and quality) better within the framework of an apprenticeship.  Each path should be equally respected.  Below you will find some general information on the topic, as well as links providing information on the various titles and abbreviations you may have run across.

This page is under construction, and hopefully will become more expansive and informative as time goes by.  For the moment, it is centered on midwifery in the United States.  As I gather more links and information for other countries, I will add it.

General Discussion on the Various Types of Midwives

Certified Midwife (CM)

"Certified midwives (CMs) are individuals who have or receive a background in a health related field other than nursing and graduate from a midwifery education program accredited by the ACNM DOA."-- From The Credential CNM and CM.  (See below.)

Certified Professional Midwives (CPM)

"This international certification process encompasses multiple educational routes of entry including apprenticeship, self-study, private midwifery schools, college- and university- based midwifery programs, and nurse-midwifery." -- From NARM's mission statement. (See below.)

Direct Entry Midwives (DEM) (Non-Nurse Midwives)

Nurse Midwives (CNM)

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10/24/06