pursuing CNM, have a few questions

  1. 0
    I am pretty sure I would like to go the RN to CNM route, but I am getting conficting info. Some midwives seem to think CNMs take too clinical of an approach to birthing, while CNMs seem to think the other types of midwives dont have enough clinical skill to intervene when needed. Opinions? I think CNM would be best for what i want to do, which is to open my own free standing birthing center.

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  2. 4 Comments...

  3. 0
    I think as a CNM you will have more opportunities and options and can still open your own birthing center.
  4. 1
    I think you will be the midwife you know you want to be. The education is just the way to get there. There are CNMs with different philosophies. Having said that, I agree with arabianeyez in that you will have a lot more opportunities available as a CNM. And you won't be restricted by different laws in different states as a CPM.
    doulalove likes this.
  5. 0
    Ditto what's already been said.

    Even if your program and preceptors turn out to be more on the clinical side, you will probably be able to learn more mother-centered care from a midwife or birth center in your area--sometimes even as a paid position as a midwife assistant/apprentice after you graduate.
  6. 2
    I think you ask a valid and important question. It is true that in college, we were lacking in out-of-hospital setting training, so I had to learn that after I graduated. But I looked for the opportunity by doing global work, and working with home birth midwives, so it's not impossible. What you learn from CNM school is highly valuable, but you are slightly behind in the natural birth experience. It's as if you now have the tools, and you need the experience. The tool is important because I understand the perimeters for high risk pregnancies, I can prescribe, and refer my clients to specialists, but I use those tools only when necessary.

    Having these skills doesn't require that you put a woman in a lithotomy, stirrup-ed position, tethered in 10 different ways to machines. That's hospital protocols, many not researched based. The most uninterventive birth is the most scientific birth. Anyone can "go by the book", but it takes critical scientific mind to know when not to intervene.

    I definitely advise taking the CNM route, and sticking to your vision.


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