Types of Midwives

Q. What kind of education do midwives receive?

A:   Three types of midwives receive extensive education and provide a range of care to women and their families:

• Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are educated in both nursing and midwifery, must pass a national certification exam and meet criteria set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. CNMs are licensed in all 50 states. They provide hospital and home birth services and are recognized within the health care system as experts in normal childbirth and well-woman care.

• Certified Midwives (CMs) are educated in midwifery, including the unique aspects of nursing education pertaining to midwifery. CMs must pass a national certification exam and meet the criteria set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. CMs are not currently licensed in CT.

• Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) are educated in midwifery and must pass a national certification exam and meet the criteria set by the Midwives Alliance of North America. (link to www.mana.org) CPMs are also experts in normal childbirth and provide home birth and in some states birth center care. CPMs are not currently licensed in CT.