Future of CNMs

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 26, 2005

The market varies a lot. Find out where they are used most and try to go there.

I am sure there are other midwives/students to chime in here. I am just an L/D nurse.

I do know they are used in many larger hospitals/markets and where low risk "birthing centers" are in place.

I also know 2 midwives who opened their own free-standing birth center w/backup at a local hospital.

Sometimes you have to make YOUR OWN way. Try to talk to midwives and find out their impressions.

Here is a site that has a forum of midwives who may be able to help you:

http://www.midwiferytoday.com

GOOD LUCK and GO AFTER THAT DREAM if it's truly what you want. Don't let naysayers rule your choices.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 26, 2005

I have lurked on this board for a while because of my interest in L&D and because I think I want to go to midwifery school (although I have another year of nursing school). I mentioned my ambitions to my step-mother in law (a nurse) and she kind of tried to shoot my dreams down by telling me that she believes that CNMs don't have much of a future because of the increase in elective c-sections, especially in light of the fact that I am not interested in practicing as a midwife doing homebirths (for which there will probably always be some interest), but rather am interested in working in the hospital/clinic setting similar to the CNM who delivered my son. I don't agree with her, but what are your opinions? Do you think this is a career on the decline rather than on the rise? Do you think the future of CNMs is more a homebirth/unmedicated birth/alternative birth center kind of thing? Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Hello :balloons:

You will receive valuable information regarding midwifery. Stay with us and we will guide you along.

No.....definitely not declining. I am not a midwife, but, an OB-GYN nurse practitioner and there is alot of need for us out there.

Good luck!!!! Others will come along and answer some of the other questions for you.

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 26, 2005

You COULD consider WHNP too.......that is right up Iris' (siri) alley.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 26, 2005

Yes......good idea, Smilin'......WHNP. That is a great choice. I know a few people here on this forum who need to become OB NP or midwife.

So close to them I can see their Smilin Blue Eyes!!

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 26, 2005

I sometimes think WHNP is where I would like to go...not sure.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 26, 2005

I sometimes think WHNP is where I would like to go...not sure.

I, even now, am glad I chose the WHNP route. I am telling you.....you have a natural talent that you need apply to the NP/midwife route. :wink2:

midwife2b · Aug 26, 2005

I did both programs (WHNP and midwifery). I missed the labor part so much... took me a few years to figure out that midwifery would satisfy all my career desires...

I am waiting patiently for the CEO of my potential employer to write up a contract. The needs assessment they did in our community indicated that there were women who want a choice. The practice wants me (always nice to know... I've worked with all of them for years as a L&D nurse) and I guess I will be a trendsetter as the first full time midwife in a private office. Midwives must be patient with birth; this is my pregnancy (the waiting part) so I am trying to be patient...

mitchsmom · Aug 26, 2005

It is a volatile field but I'm 99% sure the number of CNM births has risen pretty consistently in the last 10-20 years. You can probably find more at http://www.acnm.org

Also, anyone who is interested in looking out for the interests of midwifery should check in at the ACNM "issues" page every now & then - they have a section for legislative alerts that potentially affect midwifery & they make it easy to just push a button & write the appropriate legislators to have your voice heard! You can also get on a mailing list for legislative alerts.

http://capwiz.com/acnm/issues/

studentnurserachel · Aug 26, 2005

Thanks to all for your input. I happen to agree with Siri in regards to SmilingBlueEyes. I have lurked here long enough to recognize expertise in a field. You should be delivering babies! Thanks again to all for input. I will definitely checkout the midwife specific forums as well for information.

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 26, 2005

I did both programs (WHNP and midwifery). I missed the labor part so much... took me a few years to figure out that midwifery would satisfy all my career desires...
I am waiting patiently for the CEO of my potential employer to write up a contract. The needs assessment they did in our community indicated that there were women who want a choice. The practice wants me (always nice to know... I've worked with all of them for years as a L&D nurse) and I guess I will be a trendsetter as the first full time midwife in a private office. Midwives must be patient with birth; this is my pregnancy (the waiting part) so I am trying to be patient...

GOOD LUCK!!!

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 26, 2005

ty for the kind words, Rachel, but believe me, I am no expert. I have a long way to go to being an NP or CNM of any sort, if I choose that route.

I wish you the best in your decisions and in following your dreams.