What is a doula?

A doula is many things:

• ​An educator of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum options.
• A supporter of growing families.
• An advocate for evidence based practices surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

​A doula educates, supports, and advocates by:

• Providing classes that include but are not limited to; Exercise, wellness, and nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum, family education, breastfeeding, childbirth information and preparation, and newborn care.
• A doula supports growing families in many tangible ways throughout their journey by; Teaching coping techniques to the birth partner, during pregnancy, to be used during labor and delivery. Using different coping mechanisms during labor and delivery, such as massage and breathing strategies, to help facilitate an optimal outcome for mother and baby. Cares for the birth partner and keeps them hydrated and calm as they help the birthing mother on her birth journey. Assists with breastfeeding. Provides in home postpartum care to ease the transition of adding a new member to the family.
• A doula advocates for families by sharing evidence based practices so that families may make informed decisions surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

A doula does NOT:

• ​Replace the advice or care of medical professionals.
• Perform any kind of medical procedures such as cervical checks, heart rate, or blood pressure monitoring.
• Try and force you to change your beliefs or opinions.

What is a midwife?

CPM
Certified Professional Midwives – The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) credential is available through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). The CPM credential is the only midwifery credential that requires the holder to demonstrate knowledge and have experience in providing midwifery services in out-of-hospital settings. Most CPMs work in their clients’ homes and in private birthing centers, providing care to women throughout their childbearing cycle.

To earn the CPM designation through NARM, applicants must possess a high school diploma or the equivalent and complete NARM’s Portfolio Evaluation Process or graduate from a midwifery education program accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). Applicants may also qualify if they already possess the CNM or CM credential.

MEAC-accredited programs may grant a certificate, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree. Most graduates attain a certificate or associate’s degree.

As of 2021, 31 states had some kind of legal recognition for CPMs (licensure, certification, registration, permit, or voluntary registration), with most offering licensure based on the CPM certification.

Missouri, Maine, and Mississippi have statutes protecting the unregulated practice of CPMs, and Florida is the only state that requires CPMs to carry malpractice insurance.

CM
The Certified Midwife (CM) credential denotes a master’s-prepared healthcare professional trained in the discipline of midwifery. Like CNMs, CMs receive representation through the American College of Nurse-Midwives and must therefore meet the same standards for certification. The CM is a relatively new credential developed in 1997 for individuals seeking a pathway to midwifery that does not require a nursing background.

Candidates for the CM designation must complete a graduate-level midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and pass the national certification examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board to earn the CM designation. To maintain the CM designation, they must be recertified every five years and meet specific continuing education requirements.

Like CNMs, CMs may provide a full range of primary healthcare services, from adolescence to beyond menopause. Certified midwives work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, health clinics, OB/GYN practices, birth centers, and private homes.

Just a handful of U.S. states (New York, New Jersey, Maine, Rhode Island and Delaware) legally recognize and license CMs.

CNM
To become a CNM, registered nurses must graduate from a master’s or higher-level nurse-midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and pass the national Certified Nurse-Midwife Examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board.

All CNMs must hold state licensure, usually issued through their state board of nursing. They must also meet specific continuing education requirements to maintain state licensure and the CNM designation.

All U.S. states recognize and license CNMs and allow them prescriptive authority. Eighteen states allow CNMs to diagnose and treat without physician supervision, while the remaining states require CNMs to enter into a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. Medicaid reimbursement for CNM care is mandatory in all 50 states, and most states mandate private insurance reimbursement for their services.

All ACME-accredited nurse-midwifery programs include didactic coursework and clinical experiences that prepare students to work in any number of settings, including hospitals, health clinics, birth centers, and OB/GYN practices, among others. Their advanced practice nursing background allows them to work as part of a medical team that may include MDs such as gynecologists and obstetricians. Many of today’s OB/GYN practices and hospitals have CNMs on staff.

Because of their dual training in nursing and midwifery, CNMs are well qualified to provide care to women not just during the childbearing years, but also across their lifespan. They provide regular well woman visits, gynecologic checkups, contraceptive and family planning services, and treatment of STDs, among other services. CNMs are also qualified to provide neonatal care during the first 28 days of life

To learn more visit:
​https://www.midwifeschooling.com/midwifery-roles-and-credentials/