How to Find a Midwifery Preceptor
If you have decided to become a midwife, you may need a midwifery preceptor depending on the route you are taking. Midwifery preceptors are most common with women who are completing the apprenticeship, or direct-entry route. Preceptors are licensed midwives in your state who teach and observe clinical skills while preparing you to start an independent practice. Midwifery preceptors are not always easy to find, but following these suggestions will give you the best chance.
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Instructions
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Check with natural birth groups in the area. Natural birth groups usually consist of mothers who had natural births in the hospital or at home with midwives. They may know better than anyone which midwives are the best to work with. Natural birth groups can be found online or through birth classes or local birth professionals.
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Check with local certified nurse midwives at hospitals or clinics to see who they recommend as a preceptor. Most women choose a home-birth midwife to use as a preceptor, but in most states, certified nurse midwives or physicians can also be preceptors if they are willing to and have the availability.
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Check with groups of doulas or childbirth educators. The birth network is usually a tight one, so most birth educators know each other. They can usually recommend a midwife to speak with about establishing a preceptorship.
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Check on the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) website. This website has midwives in all 50 states and can advise you as to which ones are actually available as preceptors.
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Talk to local providers to see if your state has a local midwifery association. Midwifery association groups meet periodically, and consist of local midwives, consumers and educators. This may be the place to meet and greet with the midwives and start establishing your network.
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