CPM's is this the same as a CNM without the Nursing background?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

The American Public Health Association (APHA) has published a position paper titled, "Supporting Access to Midwifery Services in the United States."

(American Journal of Public Health, March 2001, Vol 91, No. 3, pp. 482-485).

In it, APHA urges "all state legislatures to legalize the practice of midwifery and promulgate regulations" for midwives. The policy paper describes Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) as nationally certified midwives who are trained to "practice in predominantly out-of-hospital settings." You can find out how to order a copy of the March Journal by visiting www.apha.org/journal. The position paper also says APHA should "communicate in writing with the major professional organizations whose members provide health care to women urging them to recognize nationally certified midwives as independent and collaborative practitioners." APHA has a state representative for each state, and it would be worth contacting him or her to find out how you might work together on state legislative issues. You can find state chapter contact information at www.apha.org.

I have heard that there is a movement to make the CPM the Nationally recognized credential for a Midwife to practice. I have heard the standards for this certification is the same (Except the pre-req of a BSN to sit fot the testing exam), is this true? Any thoughts from an experienced CNM out there in the feild now? And if you reply please voice your opinion of the homebirth option for low risk women.

Thank you in advance,

Jami ;)

OK - for a good answer look at web sites - acnm.org, and mana.org and at Root's "Midwifery in America"

I have heard also of this proposal. So far it is not legal in many states for CPM to practice and I don't think any states allow them to practice in hospital settings. I think that they have fought well to establish their legal statas. There has long been that battle and argument between CPM's and CNM's much like what we hear between Rn's and LPN's. Although there is definately a place for Cpm's for patients who desire natural birth in low risk home settings. They are trained in natural nonmedical intervention birthing processes. Where CNM's are trained like Limited Obstetrical Physicians requiring a BSN degree. We focus much on the scientific and medical aspect of the delivery but also add some of the midwifery tricks of the trade that physicians may not do (hypnobirthing, pushing methods, water births etc). Most CNM's have a few years as a labor and delivery nurse prior to going on to tyhe CNM level in addition to a 4 year nursing degree. Many argue it is not needed and much is probably not needed. I have probably gained most of the knowledge from working in a perinatology care center and labor and delivery. However there are many basic thinks you learn in school that help as well. In the hospital setting you need this basis especially when working higher risk patients. In the home setting if things get bad you can transport to a hospital that is equipped to handle such problems.

But to answer the question to whether the CNM (with 7 years of University schooling) and CPM (4-12 month technical or on the job training) is the same I would have to say no. However there is definately a place for both.

Jared

But I heard they both take the same National certification examination! And I do know for a fact that they too (CPM) take a college course of study that leads to a degree for Midwifery at a bachelor level ie FLA and Bastyr for example. I was asking about the certification, not the training/practice setting, as I know they are different and for some it is for that rationale they do not pursue the CNM!:rolleyes:

I would like to add that I am biased I plan on becoming a CPM by 2013. Here is an article I would appreciate your reading. Here is the URL: http://cato.org/pubs/pas/pa-246.html I know much of my thoughts are radical, but what is a change agent but a deviation from the norm and there is nothing normal about me!:rolleyes: LOL at myself and how I put my foot in my mouth. It is a sad day when we can not laugh at ourselves!:D

http://www.mana.org/narm/ 1-888-84BIRTH

1-888-842-4784

What is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?

A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is an independent practitioner who has met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) http://www.mana.org/narm/ 1-888-84BIRTH

1-888-842-4784

and is qualified to provide the Midwifery Model of Care. The NARM certification process recognizes multiple routes of entry into midwifery and includes verification of knowledge and skills and the successful completion of both a Written Examination and Skills Assessment. The CPM credential requires training in out-of-hospital settings

It is this organization which accrediates schools of Midwifery for eligibility to sit for the CPM Exam, http://www.meacschools.org/

It was MANA http://www.mana.org/

North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) http://www.mana.org/narm/ 1-888-84BIRTH

1-888-842-4784

and MEAC http://www.meacschools.org

that set up the credentialing process to insure public safety! It is said or has been said that ACNM will also use this exam to test new members for the title of CNM! This was what I was asking about. Does anyone know what I am referring too?

:cool:

+ Add a Comment