Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) - A CPM is certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).  As such, CPMs have been educated and trained to provide out-of-hospital care. In fact, a CPM is the only midwife in US with exclusive out-of-hospital training.  This education and training of CPMs makes them experts in normal, low-risk, woman-centered care.  Autonomous care providers, CPMs are usually not under the direct authority of a physician.  This allows the CPM and woman to work together in the best interests of the client.  CPMs offer a full-spectrum of midwifery care including well-woman visits, well-baby care, antepartum and postpartum care, and counseling throughout pregnancy and life.   

​

Other Midwives - All non-certified midwives fall into a class that has historically been referred to by many titles, including Traditional Midwife, Lay Midwife, Direct-Entry Midwife, Midwife, etc.  These midwives are completely autonomous, choosing not to certify or be affiliated with any governing body, and as such offer woman-to-woman care.

​

There are no laws in Pennsylvania to license or state-certify Certified Professional Midwives.  Only Certified Nurse Midwives are permitted licenses by Pennsylvania.  Therefore, it is important while interviewing midwives to know the level of education, training, skill, and experience she brings to you as a care provider.  I practice as a Certified Professional Midwife and am also a Registered Preceptor with the North American Registry of Midwives.