Direct Entry Midwife
Direct-entry midwives are midwives who have directly entered the profession of midwifery through apprenticeships, self-study, midwifery school or college- or university-based programs. In most cases, they do not work in hospitals, but rather attend homebirths or birthing centers. Direct-entry midwifes attend less than one percent of all births in the US.
Types of Direct-Entry Midwives
Direct-entry midwives are formally educated, well trained and certified. There are four types of direct-entry midwives. Here’s a brief description of each:
Certified Professional Midwives- These midwives are certified by the North American Registry of Midwives and have completed educational requirements under the supervision of a licensed midwife or have gone through a formal education. They must also pass licensing exams and complete continuing education classes.
Certified Midwives - These midwives have passed the exact same certification exams as certified nurse midwives, but lack the nursing background. As of 2008, only NY, NJ, and RI offer this exam for those interested in this title.
Licensed Midwives - These midwives are licensed by individual States.
Lay Midwives – These midwives are not certified through any type of process listed above. Instead, they are fully independent providers.
Is a Direct-Entry Midwife Right For You?
The truth of the matter is, as long as it’s legal in your State, you can have a direct-entry midwife care for you while you are pregnant. You may want to consider your pregnancy status first. For example, if you suffer from a chronic illness or another condition that would make you ‘high risk’ you may want to have a midwife who is educated, trained and skilled in nursing and prenatal care. Most women and families who choose a direct entry midwife, do it because they do not want to deal with the same approach an OB/GYN would to childbirth and mainly when a home birth is wanted.
How do I Find a Direct Entry Midwife?
Because direct entry midwives are not certified the same way other medical professionals are, you may have the best luck finding the right one for you by asking your friends and family for a referral. Women’s health care clinics may also have referrals or contacts for you. NARM, the North American Registry of Midwives may also be able to give you advice.
