Hecate

Its good to know that there are others in the same boat- at least almost. Thanks for your thoughtful replies. Every little bit of insight I get from either side helps. As far as the term lay midwife, I meant no disrespect. When I said "...lay midwife OR CPM" I was referring to two distinct paths. But while we're on the issue, I don't consider "lay midwife" a derogatory term and I don't necessarily think that it connotates a lack of experience, education or backwardness; rather self education or apprenticeship, by either choice or circumstance. Remember, CPM credentialing isn't recognized in all states and I'm sure there are many others who have simply chosen not to become certified. In fact, the (now) CPM who runs the school which I am currently attending started out that way- as did many of the other "mothers" of the modern midwifery movement. I have the utmost respect and awe for her, and a good deal of her knowledge base comes from her humble beginnings as a lay midwife. I do understand that there is a lot of confusion over the semantics and I'm not trying to add to that. Im sure there are lay midwives out there who have decided to become CNMs at some point in their lives, too. Let's not fall prey to the same kind of ignorance or snobbery that we, too, are victims of.

I was hoping for some insight on this issue because right now its at the center of my life. It would be so helpful to have the advice of those of you who have been there, especially to know the reasons for your decision. My dilemma is that I am currently a student in a direct entry (CPM) midwifery program. It is amazing and I have learned a great deal from the program, but the problem is being an LM or CPM can be so limiting. In my state, FL, one must purchase malpractice insurance which can cost up to $8k per year, while OB-gyns in our state are not required to carry it themselves. I also plan on moving out of the country and am worried about credentialing as a CPM overseas, in the Caribbean to be exact. Unfortunately I feel that the way hospitals treat pregnancy and birth is appalling on so many levels, especially all of the unnecessary (and problem causing) interventions passed off as routine care. I really believe in the midwifery model of care and am quite non-interventionist/holistic in approach. But, it seems, the trade off may be legality, and financial stability. I know that I am rattling on but if anyone could share some personal insight I would be so grateful!

I just read this a few weeks ago and couldn't put this down. Carol Leonard is a true pioneer and an amazing woman!

I'm interested in replies to this to. I am currentlly a CPM student struggling with deciding between sticking with my current program of study or becoming an RN and then CNM. Its a difficult decision because I am so passionate about the midwifery model of care. Empowering women to make their own decisions about pregnancy, labor & birth is a wonderful thing and unfortunately from what I have seen in my research, most CNM programs are more focused on the medical model of care. That's not to say that you can't go on to be a great midwife who uses that model despite her education, but my hunch is that its something you must incorporate into your own practice vs. what is encouraged and is the "norm".