How to Become a Midwife

As the trends toward natural childbirth and alternative medicine continue, the demand for qualified midwives will continue to grow. Here's how to prepare for this rewarding career.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Study biology, chemistry and health, as well as any behavioral sciences, such as psychology, which may be offered in high school.

2. Complete a minimum of one year of clinical training in midwifery, including at least 1,350 hours under the direction of a supervising midwife (preceptor).

3. Keep in mind that during training, you'll participate in patient care during the prenatal, labor and childbirth, postpartum and newborn care phases.

4. Prepare for and pass the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) written examination and skills assessment. To become a certified professional midwife (CPM), you must attend a Midwifery Education and Accreditation Council (MEAC)-accredited program of preparation.

5. Maintain your professional skills and status through re-certification every three years. This requires completion of 30 continuing education units, including 5 hours of peer review, during the three-year period.

Tips & Warnings

• NARM has a portfolio evaluation process (PEP) leading to midwife certification for individuals whose primary training has been apprentice-type, or through a nonaccredited program. Check NARM's Web site for details (see Related Sites).

• Midwives work with women whose pregnancies are low-risk. If a patient develops complications during pregnancy, be prepared to recommend an obstetrician for primary care.