Do you have to be a nurse midwife?

Not necessarily. Depending on the country and state, laws may vary on who can perform midwife services. In some jurisdictions, only nurse midwives (NMs) who are registered nurses (RNs) with additional midwifery training can legally provide midwifery care. In other areas, certified midwives (CMs), who are not registered nurses, may be legally permitted to provide midwifery services. It is essential to check the local regulations and guidelines to determine the requirements for becoming a midwife and the scope of practice for midwives in a specific location.