CNM or CPM? Opinions/advice??

[BrittK]

Hello everyone, I'm a student, going to school for my ADN but, I can't decide whether I want to become a CNM or CPM..my ultimate goal is to do home birthing..I REALLY do not want to work in a hospital once I become a midwife (I know it's a long time away! haha) Now, I know the differences between the two and the pros/cons as far as insurance companies and financial stability. I just don't know if I am wasting my time becoming a Nurse JUST to become a midwife..and be more financially stable but not as happy? Considering my ultimate goal, what do you think is the better choice?

[aubrienora]

midwifetobe85, Are you still around? I'm really hoping for an update! Did you end up doing the Frontier program? If so, how is it? I'm graduating with my ADN in December and should hopefully have my BSN within the next year and a half or so. I love, love, love pregnancy and birth, but I really value the natural birth process. I'm just finishing up Maternal Child right now and while I didn't hate it nearly as much as I expected to, it was still a lot more medical than I would have liked. How does the Frontier program compare? I know I eventually want to go the NP route and I would prefer midwifery, but I'm so terrified I will be forced to practice in way I disagree with. Any advice based on your experience?

[BrittK, CNA]

midwifetobe85, Are you still around? I'm really hoping for an update! Did you end up doing the Frontier program? If so, how is it? I'm graduating with my ADN in December and should hopefully have my BSN within the next year and a half or so. I love, love, love pregnancy and birth, but I really value the natural birth process. I'm just finishing up Maternal Child right now and while I didn't hate it nearly as much as I expected to, it was still a lot more medical than I would have liked. How does the Frontier program compare? I know I eventually want to go the NP route and I would prefer midwifery, but I'm so terrified I will be forced to practice in way I disagree with. Any advice based on your experience?

I would love to know too! Its funny, I started this post 2 years ago and since then, I had quit going to a community college to get my ADN and enrolled in a CPM program THEN, while in the program had some life issues happen and quit. Found out I was pregnant after quitting and now, just recently decided to work towards becoming a CNM instead! I guess through experiences and life, I made the choice for myself finally lol. My long-term plan is to take more pre-reqs, apply to Nursing school for BSN then go to Frontier for my MSN. I would love to know midwifetobe85's experience.

[kenya1982]

This thread is pretty old... but I just wanted to leave a comment. I figure if I came across it, then someone else will too. Thank you all SO MUCH for these comments! I have been on the fence for so, so long about this. Hearing so many other people who also have a desire to be provide a physiological birthing experience that are choosing the CNM route gives me courage. My ultimate goal is also Frontier. I don't know what it is about that school, but I just feel so drawn to it. I think they will be a great half way point between learning CPM and CNM style. I want the stability of the CNM with the mindset of a CPM if that makes sense. Anyway, I doubt anyone will even see this, but thanks again for an awesome thread! :)