What is a Midwife?
The word midwife has been used for centuries to describe a woman who is "with women" at birth. A midwife was traditionally an older female in the family or the community. Today, the word indicates a philosophy of care that focuses on the specific needs of women, offers a variety of options, and minimizes unnecessary intervention; and the individuals who hold that title are highly educated professionals who work collaboratively with physicians.

What is the American College of Nurse-Midwives?
With approximately 7,000 members, the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is the largest and oldest standard-setting organization for the midwifery profession in the United States.We are proud of the reputation earned over the last 75 years by our certified midwife (CM) and certified nurse-midwife (CNM) members.

How do I decide on midwifery care?
Not all midwives are alike, and not every woman is a candidate for midwifery care. The public has come to trust the multiple levels of testing for knowledge and competence inherent in a formal college-level education and the standards for safety required by federal and state licensing agencies. Because standards for the education and practice of midwifery might vary, ACNM urges consumers to carefully evaluate credentials. However, it is possible to be a competent practitioner without a college education, especially if one has apprenticed for a long time with another experienced provider.

Why should I choose a midwife who is certified?
All CMs and CNMs have earned at least a bachelor's degree, and more than 70 percent hold at least a master's. Furthermore, CMs and CNMs must graduate from a nationally accredited education program, pass a rigorous national certification exam, and be licensed to practice. Certification helps to ensure that midwives provide their clients with a safe mechanism for consultation, collaboration, and referral if needed.

*taken from "Midwives: Frequently Asked Questions," Every Baby magazine, Issue Four.