How to Become a Christian Midwife
Christian Midwives International is an organization made up of current and future birth professionals, according to its own website. Promoting Christian spirituality and midwifery education, the group offers conferences, a referral network for parents and information regarding the legal status of midwives in various states. The group acknowledges different categories of midwives, ranging from certified nurse-midwife to licensed midwife. Visitors to the Christian Midwives International site can find links to religious-centered resources, along with a link to the American College of Nurse-Midwives' website.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How to become a Christian Midwife
-
1
Decide if you wish to become a certified nurse-midwife, a certified midwife or a licensed midwife prior to joining Christian Midwives International. This decision will impact where you practice and the scope of your practice. For example, a certified nurse-midwife practices in Alaska, Hawaii or any jurisdiction within the United States. A licensed midwife's career, however, is restricted to the state in which she practices.
-
2
Compare education and training programs approved by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). These courses help prepare certified nurse-midwife and certified midwife candidates for the national certification examinations administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board. According to the American College for Nurse-Midwives' website, not all ACME-accredited programs require a baccalaureate in nursing. A bachelor's degree, however, is required to enter an ACME-accredited program.
-
-
3
Earn credentials through a number of alternative entry routes if you decline the route of certified nurse-midwife or certified midwife, according to the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM), including through apprenticeships and private midwifery schools. Checking state laws is imperative. Each state creates its own laws that govern midwifery.
-
4
Think about any questions you may have about Christian Midwives International after achieving the requirements of the midwife profession. Before joining the group, contact a regional representative listed on the Web page. Ask if you may talk with members---their experiences may give you insight into the group.
-
5
Ask your local birthing center or church about Christian Midwives International if you're unable to reach a rep through the website. Someone at the church or center may be familiar with the group and be able to provide the name and phone number of a member in the organization.
-
6
Click the "Join" link under "Membership" on the Christian Midwives International website.
-
7
Scroll down the page until you see empty fields for name and email information. Follow the instructions on the site and complete all necessary information.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Salary depends on education, skill and experience, as well as on location. According to Salary.com, the median income for a certified nurse-midwife was $89,337 (as of April 2009).
Visit the website for the American College of Nurse-Midwives to keep abreast of recent news and changes in laws regarding midwifery.
The public library may also have health industry journals that reflect current medical trends that affect midwives.
Sometimes professionals in the health care industry host discussions. Call the university in your city to find out if any of these talks are open to the public.
References
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
oitmom3
Jan 27, 2010
Note: A nurse midwife is also limited in many states to whether she can or cannot gain a supporting overseeing physician, whom may also be competing for the very same mothers. Also, I recently learned that in Oregon, CNM's who had been trained and experienced, could no longer practice as a CNM once educational standards were modified to a bachelor's degree, despite their experience. Just some thoughts to consider as you decide. CNM may be ther right choice for you, but get all the pros and cons.
