[birdgardner]

We're doing some long term planning here. I'll be starting an accelerated BSN program soon and from there I want to study for the CNM.

My husband and I want to leave New Jersey in a few years and go some place more rural, more heartland. North Carolina is our first choice because of family but we could be flexible.

In terms of general receptiveness to nurse-midwives from both patients and doctors, a high degree of autonomy and a broad scope of practice, insurance rates that aren't crushing - where would you recommend?

[beckinben]

IMO - Oregon or New Mexico. Oregon has lots of autonomy. New Mexico has 30% of babies born with midwives. Both have beautiful rural areas.

I live more west, though, so I don't have as good of a feel for the east coast. I know there is a doc in High Point NC who is a big midwifery supporter.

[mandyloo]

have you thought about south carolina? MUSC has a great program that I'm planning on going through when I graduate. The upstate of SC (as well as 90% of the rest of it) is nothing but rural. It's the best state in the country! ! !