| | Dear NACPM Members and Friends,
My journey from studying business economics to completing both a traditional and masters-level midwifery program has given me a unique perspective on the value and worth of our profession. Midwifery holds immense value in our communities, yet we often struggle with receiving fair compensation for the vital services we provide. While our commitment is heartfelt and service-driven, it’s essential that we recognize and advocate for our worth. |
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Community midwives are highly skilled and knowledgeable, for example, we are the only health care practitioners responsible for two people simultaneously—client and baby! Midwifery care addresses social determinants of health and is a human rights issue, ensuring clients have access to skilled, respectful, and culturally appropriate care. Our care leads to significantly better outcomes, including lower rates of cesarean sections, reduced preterm births, and increased satisfaction among women (Lancet). Economically, midwifery care is cost-effective. The World Health Organization reports that integrating midwives into the healthcare system can save billions annually by preventing unnecessary medical procedures and improving maternal health outcomes (WHO)
Despite these benefits, midwives and their clients are often undervalued due to systemic gender, racial biases, and a lack of recognition from policymakers and donors. If we don’t value ourselves, how can we expect others to?
As a board member of NACPM, I have seen firsthand the extensive advocacy we do on behalf of CPMs and midwifery care in general. NACPM fights for recognition and support at state and federal levels, working to ensure that CPMs are included in important legislation. We collaborate with other midwifery and health care and human rights groups and support BIPOC and LGBTQ+ student midwives through scholarships from our Bigger Table Fund and TKT Scholarship.
The U.S. healthcare system is in crisis, particularly in maternal and reproductive health, yet it has been slow to support midwifery services adequately. Reimbursement is minimal, and funding for midwifery education, research and practice is extremely limited. We must advocate for policy changes that recognize the indispensable role of midwives. We see clearly by the maternal health deserts and the unacceptable maternal mortality in the US that there is a great need for midwifery care, in fact lives depend on it.
By engaging policymakers, educating the public, empowering midwives and highlighting the tangible benefits of midwifery care through research and client outcomes, we can make a compelling case for increased support and recognition. We can shift perceptions and garner the support needed to sustain and grow our profession. Supporting midwives means supporting our clients, families, and communities.
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|  | Lauren French Hoy, CPM, LM, MSM NACPM Board Member |
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| |  | The B.I.R.T.H. and Afua Hassan Midwifery Scholarship, in partnership with NACPM, offers financial assistance to BIPOC students pursuing midwifery education. This scholarship provides funds for education-related expenses such as books and school fees. Our goal is to empower future midwives with the resources they need to succeed, ultimately improving maternal and infant health outcomes within the BIPOC community in Houston and across the United States.
In partnership with NACPM, this scholarship provides financial assistance to BIPOC students pursuing midwifery education. It offers $5,000 to one student and $2,500 each to two students, covering expenses like books and school fees.
Eligibility:
Application Process:
Deadline: September 7, 2024 Three interviews with BIPOC midwives: one from a hospital, one from a birth center, and one home birth midwife Applicants will need to provide the name, workplace, and a one-sentence summary of what impressed you from each interview Reflect on which practice setting resonates most with you and why
See the Full Application here: The B.I.R.T.H. and Afua Hassan Midwifery Scholarship Application
Commitment: Scholarship recipients must agree to practice as a midwife in Houston for two years after training. Scholarship recipients must be committed to reducing infant and maternal mortality and morbidity within the BIPOC community.
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| | |  | | |  | The National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM) is calling for nominations of CPMs to be considered to run for election to its Board of Directors. Currently, 4 elected board positions are open for election in 2024. NACPM by-laws are available here.
Utilizing a Strategic Board Composition Matrix developed by Boardsource.org, NACPM completed a board assessment to identify specific characteristics that are missing or infrequently found in our current board composition. By completing this type of assessment on current and nominated board members and informing our constituents which skills are most needed we aim to help members make an informed decision with their vote.
All nominations must be received by August 9th. Submit Your Nomination Here |
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We are excited to launch a new content campaign to highlight the multifaceted role of midwives. This month, our theme is rejuvenation so we are emphasizing the importance of self-care amidst daily challenges. We invite our midwifery members and allies to share their personal experiences on rejuvenation and self-care via short video clips, which we will feature on NACPM's social media channels.
Why participate? Inspire Others: Your experiences can guide and motivate aspiring midwives. Build Community: Connect with like-minded midwives who understand the unique challenges you face. Highlight Your Expertise: Show your dedication and knowledge, elevating your professional profile. Promote Well-being: Encourage a culture of self-care and rejuvenation in midwifery.
How to Participate: Choose a Question: Pick a question that resonates with you. VIEW QUESTIONS HERE Create a Reel: Record a 1-4 minute video answering the question in a way that touches hearts and minds. Post your video on Instagram and tag us at @nacpmidwives or email your video to communications@nacpm.org
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The Tanya Khemet Taiwo scholarship seeks to address the lack of diversity within the field of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) by investing in the journey’s of Black and Indigenous midwives. This scholarship honors the work of Tanya Khemet Taiwo, the longest serving Black woman on NACPM’s Board of Directors, as well as an exemplary educator, researcher, epidemiologist, and community health innovator. This scholarship seeks to invest in the journey’s of midwives who share similar visions for a more well rounded Certified Professional Midwife field, committed to serving more at-risk, and medically underserved populations. This scholarship is an expansion on NACPM’s existing funds to support students who are from communities that are the most in need of care. This initiative recognizes the transformative power of concordant care; care that establishes trust and connection between the birthing person and their midwife through mutual understanding and similar life experiences. |
|  | Meet Andrea Vaughn - A 2023 TKT Scholarship Recipient |
| Andrea Vaughn is one of NACPM’s Tanya Khemet Taiwo scholarship recipients. Andrea possesses a keen understanding of the pivotal role of Certified Professional Midwives in creating a maternal care field to one that is more inclusive, acceptable, culturally informed, and compassionate. With Andrea’s personal experience as a Black, queer birth worker and second-year midwifery student, the issue of inclusivity within the workforce is deeply personal. Andrea believes that she is capable of providing above and beyond care to those who share similar life experiences. In the words of Andrea, “I am committed to challenging the status quo, advocating for change, and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the care and support they deserve.” Andrea emphasizes that the healthcare field must move beyond traditional health care spaces to serve a wider array of birthing people. Expanding access to CPM care for all is a step forward in this direction. This scholarship aims directly to invest in the journey’s of those who have personal experiences that will inform their care as birth workers, initiating deeper insight into the lives of the diverse array of individuals they will care for, and improving health outcomes for populations who have been most significantly impacted by lack of access to care.
Andrea’s commitment to serving others through birth work is motivated by continuously setting and accomplishing goals that will allow her to excel at her practice. Andrea recognizes the importance of self-care when working in this profession, a skill that is essential to providing optimal care as a birth worker. Andrea also acknowledges the essential role of community for building her skill set, knowledge, and resilience. Such resourceful traits will enable Andrea to be a trailblazer in the field, capable of providing astounding, transformative care within her midwifery practice.
Since 2021, NACPM has distributed $51,200. We are half way to our goal of raising $30K to distribute in 2024. We are actively applying for grants to sustain this initiative and we encourage our generous donors to consider contributing directly to this fund.
2024 Applications are open and being accepted until September 30th, 2024 |
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We’re excited to announce that we now have a robust Events Calendar up on our website.
VIEW OUR EVENT CALENDAR HERE
If you or people in your network/community are hosting relevant events, or events that offer CEUs to midwives, please share this form with them so that we can feature their event on our calendar.
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT HERE
Thank you for helping us showcase the incredible work happening in the midwifery community! |
| |  |  | Birth Future Foundation is excited to announce their new grant making cycle, Watering the Seeds : Midwifery Care and Capacity Building Grant.
This grant will focus specifically on midwives and midwifery students. Grants will range from $1,000-$2,500 per grantee.
The intention of this grant is to water the seeds planted from thier previous grant cycles by pouring into the amazing midwifery workforce, present and future. This grant will support the midwifery pipeline and nourish it. This grant is for Black and Indigenous practicing midwives and midwifery students who are taking care of birthing people, mothers, babies, families, and communities with all they have and all they are. |
| | |  | Join with us to grow a world where birth is safe, sacred, loving, and celebrated for every community.
Birth Center Week is for everyone! Families & community members; public health & policy leaders; midwives; birth center leaders & birth workers; funders & investors; birth & reproductive justice advocates… and everyone who cares about growing healthy, loving, just communities. |
| |  | Are you a Black Birthing Person that used Assisted Reproductive Technology and experienced racism during the process? Make you voice heard and share your story! I am conducting research to learn about the experiences of Black birthing who have used assisted reproductive technology and experienced racism from their medical staff. If interested, please contact Bentley Eskridge at eskridgeb@adams.edu |
| |  | Exciting Developments for Georgia Midwives
Georgia Midwives are hard at work developing a new bill for the upcoming legislative session. This effort is crucial as we strive to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across the state. Your support can make a significant impact in helping us achieve our goals.
Join Georgia’s Fundraising Campaign with Give Butter We’ve launched a fundraising campaign to support our legislative efforts and other vital initiatives. Your donations will directly contribute to the advancement of midwifery care and the promotion of safe birthing practices in Georgia. Donate Here
Scholarship Awarded for Midwifery Education We are thrilled to announce that we have awarded a scholarship to a deserving student, allowing them to attend the prestigious Midwifery Wisdom Skillz and Drillz workshop.
Ongoing Student Skills Day In addition to external training opportunities, we continue to offer our own Student Skills Day.
Stay Informed with Legislative Updates Stay updated on our legislative progress and other important news by signing up for our updates at www.georgiacpm.org. Your involvement and support are crucial as we work towards a healthier future for mothers and babies in Georgia. |
| |  | News from North Carolina
State-wide Legislative Update for Community Birth Consumers, Professionals and Supporters Monday, July 22, 2024:An online meeting to inform the community about work NC ACPM and our sister advocacy organization NC for CPMs have been working on the advance our legislative efforts toward licensing and integration of CPMs in North Carolina.
Child Fatality Task Force Issue Application: NC ACPM is currently working on an application to submit to the NC Child Fatality Task Force, which studies evidence-driven policy issues related to the prevention of child deaths or child maltreatment and make policy recommendations based on their findings. We are asking the CFTF to study the impact of CPM care on infant mortality and morbidity rates, as well as lifelong health and wellness of children and their families.
A Midwife Solution Documentary Screenings: NC ACPM President Nicole Havelka is working with community members to plan several premiere screening events for the short documentary she has been working on with Honey Head Films, a NC women owned and operated film production company. A Midwife Solution presents the importance of access to CPM care, the experiences of birthing people and families, the political and legislative history in NC around the effort for CPM licensure and integration, and a call to action for consumers, supports, public health stakeholders and legislators to license and integrate CPMs in 2025.
NC ACPM is actively gathering letters from stakeholders and public health organizations to object to and call for re-examination of language that proposes changes to the NC Midwifery Joint Committee's Permanent Rules governing the practice of Certified Nurse Midwives, which would permanently prevent them from serving clients seeking care for VBAC, multiples, and breech positioning in the home setting. NC ACPM is deeply concerned that if passed into Permanent Rules these prohibitions for CNMs would have a detrimental influence on rules for CPM practice that may be required in any future legislation to license and integrate CPMs in NC.
NC Perinatal Health Equity Collective Community Panel:The Perinatal Health Equity Collective (PHEC) is a state-wide collaborative partnership between public health organizations, policy makers, and community members that produced and promotes NC's Perinatal Health Strategic Plan (PHSP), which recommends the licensure of Certified Professional Midwives. NC ACPM President Nicole Havelka will have the opportunity to participate in a Community Q&A Panel at the August PHEC hybrid meeting to highlight NC ACPM and the work being done to leverage the PHSP recommendation for legislation to license and integrate CPMs in NC.
If you are interested in supporting NC ACPMs efforts to call for the re-examination and change of language to the NC Midwifery Joint Committees' Permanent Rules for the practice of Certified Nurse Midwives, please email us at ncacpm@gmail.com for more information! |
| |  | Legislators in Massachusetts have until July 31 to get comprehensive maternal health equity legislation over the finish line that will expand access to midwifery care, birth centers, and much more! Make your voice heard now. TAKE ACTION NOW |
| |  | | |  | We’re asking every member to consider a $10 donation for every birth they attend in 2024. Imagine the impact, if every one of their clients also donated $10 to support their midwife’s profession! Help make this campaign a success by making a donation today. |
| | |  |  | | Your purchases contribute directly to our Bigger Table Fund Initiative, enabling us to to help grow a racially, ethnically and socially representative CPM workforce. |
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