Certification and Practice of Midwives in the US
CNMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). They can practice legally in all 50 states. CNMs are independent practitioners in most states, however, some states require physician supervision. CPMs are recognized in over 35 states including States like Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah.
Educational Paths and Legal Statutes
Certified Midwives (CM) are certified by the AMCB. CMs have a background in a health-related field other than nursing. They graduate from an Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education accredited midwifery program. You do not need to be a nurse to train as a midwife. This is one route into the profession.
Home births and unassisted births are legal in some states.
Professional Standards and Certification
Clinical guidelines for midwifery care are set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). The guidelines cover all aspects of care, including prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. The goal is to ensure competent midwives provide quality care.
There is a movement towards Professional Midwifery certification through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). NARM offers national exams and validation for direct-entry midwives, including CNMs who assist with home births. Aspiring midwives can become a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) through multiple educational routes.