[epiphany]

Originally Posted by ktliz

I'm also an aspiring midwife (just starting nursing school next year though) and I'm constantly researching the field as well. I'm curious as to what you've heard or read that has made you feel this way. My understanding is that there are TONS of jobs available, even for new grads, if you are in the right area or willing to relocate.

There ARE tons of jobs available. Every graduate I know has more than one offer. My clinical site has already offered me a job when I graduate. My feeling is that I will get into a place I like, not just any job. I am speaking for the East Coast region - NY, NJ, PA, DE, etc. I am surprised at why people are so worried. You don't see midwives because there are relatively not that many of us, not because we are not in demand.

[clhRN2b2010]

I have to say that I agree that midwifery will become more common. Yes, malpractice is sky rocketing and OB's are falling left and right In my state there is no limit on lawsuits, and they are sick of it. Many OB/GYN have stopped delivering and focused their practice on well woman and GYN surgery. I actually think that bodes well for midwives here. Women are still having babies! Hopefully, the low risk pregnancies and births will be shuffled toward the MW's and the remaining OB's will be left to handle the high risk stuff that they do so well. It's an opportunity for MW's to share their skills and philosophy with women who otherwise would not have known to seek out their services.

In addition, I will continue to do whatever I can to introduce women to the idea that birth is a joy and an event to be experianced and celebrated...not avoided at all costs through technology. I want women to believe that they are capable and strong and ready for this challenge of being a Mother. It is a culture shift and we are the generation who will need to rock the boat in order to change it's course.

[LilyRoseRN]

"In addition, I will continue to do whatever I can to introduce women to the idea that birth is a joy and an event to be experianced and celebrated...not avoided at all costs through technology. I want women to believe that they are capable and strong and ready for this challenge of being a Mother. It is a culture shift and we are the generation who will need to rock the boat in order to change it's course."

Hear, hear!

[rhiannonwolf]

AMEN!! Perhaps it is just the midwest that seems to be void of midwives with only a select few hired and they must have experience. Oh well, my husband and I are looking at moving to Seattle in 2011 after I graduate, so we will see, I think I will have a much better chance at getting a job out there than here in Kansas.

[clhRN2b2010]

I will say that on the east coast, you could find a "job" in almost any city up or down the seaboard. Ofcourse, as my MW friends would call it, you might be "working for the man" in a hospital setting since free standing, MW run birth centers can be scarce.

Seattle has a great climate for MW's and even lots of CPM and homebirth MW's running around out there. Good collaboration possibilities! That sounds awesome! Enjoy!

[ktliz]

Originally Posted by clhRN2b2010

Ofcourse, as my MW friends would call it, you might be "working for the man" in a hospital setting since free standing, MW run birth centers can be scarce.

Definitely, the overwhelming majority of midwives practice in hospitals. This is true even in the most midwifery-friendly areas of the country. But, I look at it as an opportunity-- a chance to get into the current infrastructure and promote change from the inside out. As much as I'm sure I would/will love to practice in birth center and homebirth settings, I kind of feel like these are preaching to the choir regarding birth choices. A hospital position is a special challenge for midwives to introduce normalized birth to a different population.

Personally my goal is to practice in a hospital as long as I can without burning out!

[LilyRoseRN]

I think ktliz makes an excellent point about hospitals being a great place for midwives to start changing ideas and integrating the midwifery model of care. While I wish that all women wanted a natural birth with a midwife at home or in a birthing center (as long as they're not high risk, obviously), that's not the case, and ingrained ideas are difficult to change overnight. Women should be able to access the personal, one-on-one care of a midwife who uses less intervention, and still be able to do this in a hospital, even with an epidural. It's a unique challenge that we face to try to change the current tides of thought, and I think there are many ways to approach it.

[CEG]

Midwifery is a growing field in the US. In the 60-70s there were virtually no midwives. There has been huge growth over the past 20-30 years with now more than 10% of babies in the US delivered by midwives and growing. Check out the ACNM website for more info.