Types of Birth Professionals
MidwivesRecognized inthe United States:
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM/NMW)
CMNs are trained in both nursing and midwifery. CNMs are Advanced Practice Nurses and have a Master's or Doctoate degree from a university-affiliated Nurse-Midwifery program. CMNs can practice in all birth settings and provide prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. Outside of the childbearing year, CNMs also provide well-women care through the life cycle.
Certified Midwife (CM)
The Certified Midwife is a credential from ACNM that does not require a nursing degree but isotherwise similar to the CNM credential. The CM credential is legally recognized in these states: Deleware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Several other states are currently pursuing licensure of CMs. Currently CMs are not credentialed in Oregon.
Certified Professional Midwife (CPM/LM)
The CPM is a North American credential that recognizes multiple routes of education, CPMs have met clinical requirements and passed skills evaluation and a written exam. CPMs provide prenatal, birth, postpartum, and well-woman care. CPMs are required to have Out-of-Hospital birth experience for certification as a CPM.
CA only recognizes CNM & CPMs.
To learn more, visit theMidwives Alliance of North Americawebsite.
Doula:
A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
To learn more, visit theDONA Internationalwebsite.
Obstetrician-Gynecologist:
Obstetrician-gynecologistis a medical doctor who specializes in sexual and reproductive health, including pregnancy care and attending births. They are skilled surgeons and can perform Cesarean deliveries when necessary.
To learn more, visit theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologistswebsite.
