Future of CNMs

Published

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!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

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!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
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:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, lactation.

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/

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
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!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion