Midwifery Qualifications

Midwives provide women with a listening ear and help them to make proper decisions regarding their health. Not all midwives are the same; there are different kinds that provide varying services and possess different qualifications.

Certified Nurse-Midwife

• Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and are educated in nursing and midwifery. They help women with prenatal care, childcare delivery, gynecological exams and provide infant care. According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), CNMs help with 8 percent of births in America.

Certified Midwife

• A certified midwife (CM) is educated in midwifery and is certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. A CM provides similar services to a CNM.

Doula

• Doulas offer physical and emotional support to women and their partners during the childbirth process. They give advice on subjects such as breathing, relaxation and positioning. They do not give medical advice or perform clinical chores. They often assist the midwife during labor.

Education

• Most midwives are either CNMs or CNs. According to the ACNM, all CNMs and CNs have a bachelor's degree; 80 percent have a master's degree or more.

Accomplishments

• A CNM/CN can participate in local and national legislative matters concerning health-care reform. They can also teach at nursing, medicine and public health schools.