There are many forms of medicine and care a woman can receive while pregnant. And with each culture, region, or religion taking on medical ideologies, one thing remains consistent: the skill of a midwife. In this article, we explore different kinds of practicing midwives and the most common forms below.

Direct Entry Midwife

A direct entry midwife is a basic form of midwife and can assist and attend home births or births in centers. These individuals attended midwifery school or completed a college program. It’s also possible they completed an apprenticeship through a midwifery center. A direct-entry midwife can provide comprehensive antenatal care to an expecting mother and go on to oversee her home or birth center delivery.

Certified Midwife

A certified midwife is similar to a certified nurse midwife. The core difference between the two is the educational sectors they complete. A certified midwife has not yet completed a nursing program but can practice midwifery just the same.

Certified Professional Midwife

Certified professional midwives undergo more extensive training and education to become professional and independent practicing midwives. These individuals can provide thorough antenatal care in the patient’s home or a birth center. From there, they can oversee and attend to a mother’s preferred delivery. A certified professional midwife must complete and pass the competency test with the North American Registry of Midwives.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Certified nurse midwives (CNM) play some of the most fundamental roles in modern childbirth and prenatal care. These individuals received extensive and comprehensive education and training to establish themselves in the pregnancy and birth space. After completing a registered nursing degree, the CNM goes on to complete a master’s degree in nurse-midwifery with a specialization in childbirth.

The American Midwifery Certification Board certifies each practicing CNM before they can practice medicine. These individuals can make practical and necessary medical decisions for their patients, oversee hospital deliveries, and provide comprehensive antenatal care.

Lay Midwife

While the lay midwife is not nearly as familiar as other types, they are valuable to the birth community because of the assistance and support they can offer women. The training of lay midwives is rather subdued, and they must take a hands-off approach because of a lack of education and certifications. It’s common to find a lay midwife at home births, but because complications can occur, a lay midwife may also accompany a certified midwife. Each state has a variation to lay midwife training, which means their abilities are more relaxed.

Cascade Health Care values the importance and integrity of all different kinds of midwives. We offer complete midwife birth kits to those seeking, learning, or implementing midwifery skills. Partner with us today to learn more about our supplies and the necessary tools you may need.