| | As we enter the final quarter of 2024, NACPM reflects on the progress we’ve made and the bold steps ahead as we plan for 2025. We are called to move forward with intention, shedding the weight of scarcity, inadequacy, and imposter syndrome. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) are at a critical juncture. The work we do now—on legislation, reimbursement, sustainability, and |
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| workforce development—will tip the scales toward a future of greater access, more culturally congruent care providers, and reduced disparities in maternal health.
Leseliey Welch, co-founder and CEO of Birth Center Equity, shared a powerful message at the Institute for Medicaid Innovation meetings last week: “Abundance flows from our relationships… Change is proportional to our courage and tenacity.” It’s time to build the infrastructure and policies that center midwives and bring about the change our communities need.
Together, we can move boldly into this new chapter. Let’s continue to be courageous and tenacious as we shape the future of midwifery care. |
|  | Cassaundra Jah, PhD, CPM, LM, IBCLC Executive Director National Association of Certified Professional Midwives |
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| | |  | Transfers don’t have to be traumatic. At Step Up Together, we offer FREE ready-to-use transfer Drill Kits designed to support community birth midwives and their collaborators. Our Focused Action Cycle, starting October 10, equips you and your team with the skills to smoothly handle emergency transfers, build trust with hospital partners, and improve perinatal safety. Join us to practice real-world scenarios, collaborate, and enhance emergency preparedness. Register today to step up safety for your clients. |
| |  | | National Association of Certified Professional Midwives Presents: Step Up Together: Results of a National Action Collaborative Focused on Community Birth Transfers Tuesday October 8th, 2024 11:00 AM EST
Emergencies in low-risk community births are rare, but when they happen, rapid decision-making, procedural skills, and seamless teamwork can make all the difference. Join us for an exciting and insightful webinar as we dive into the 2024 Step Up Together program, which empowered hospital and birth center teams to conduct Full Transfer Drills aimed at improving emergency preparedness in community birth settings. Led by Amy Romano, a visionary leader in maternity care, this webinar will reveal the program’s outcomes, discuss the challenges of smooth transfers, and introduce innovative tools designed to enhance perinatal emergency transfers. You’ll learn how better collaboration between community birth providers, EMS, and hospitals can create a safer, more equitable birth experience for all. |
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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. |
| 2024 Applications are open and being accepted until October 4th, 2024 (extended from September 30th) |
| | |  | New Membership Model Coming in 2025!
Starting in January, NACPM will launch a new membership model designed to ensure accessibility for everyone. Our Green Bottle Membership Model will use a sliding scale system, allowing members to choose what they can afford based on their individual financial situation. This approach reflects our commitment to equity and sustainability while keeping membership open to all.
More details will be shared soon, including information on membership fees, how the sliding scale works, and important dates for the transition. Stay tuned for email updates, and thank you for supporting NACPM as we continue to grow together! |
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Chapter Collaboration Call Recap
Earlier this month, we held a fantastic Chapter Collaboration Call, with 14 participants, including leaders from states where new chapters are forming. The conversation focused on incremental legislative change, and we celebrated the recent passage of the Massachusetts Momnibus bill. It was a lively and productive call, filled with invaluable information and support exchanged between chapter leaders.
Kristin Effland (WA) and Mary Kathryn DeLodder (KY) shared insights on pursuing incremental legislative change, and Rebecca Herman presented on the Massachusetts Momnibus bill that passed in June! It was a collaborative session, and we hope to continue this momentum.
We encourage you to join us for future calls. Click here to learn more about our Chapter Program or email chapters@nacpm.org for more details. |
| |  | Exciting Developments in Georgia: Licensure Bill to Be Introduced in January 2025!
The Georgia Chapter is preparing to introduce a licensure bill that will be introduced in January 2025. A lot of work has been happening behind the scenes to build momentum, especially following the success of similar legislation in other states. To kick things off, the chapter participated in a community event hosted by a local IBCLC, where they raised awareness about midwifery care, connected with families who experienced birth trauma, and fundraised by distributing water bottles to participants.
As they prepare for the upcoming 40-day legislative session, the biggest need right now is fundraising for a lobbyist—a critical step toward making licensure a reality. The chapter is calling on the community, both near and far, to help support this important cause. There is a renewed sense of hope and energy as they continue pushing for progress in Georgia. |
| |  | North Carolina Chapter Pushes for CPM Licensure with Endorsements, Film Premieres, and Legislative Plans
Exciting progress is underway in North Carolina! NCACPM President Nicole Havelka is actively seeking endorsement for CPM licensure from the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (CFTF), a legislative study commission dedicated to child safety and well-being. Nicole recently presented to the CFTF on how licensure of CPMs could improve care for families and children in the state. A follow-up meeting is planned to address stakeholder concerns.
In addition, NCACPM has been building support among birth workers through presentations like the one Sarah May, NCACPM Secretary, gave at the August Carolina Birth Junkies retreat.
The chapter also premiered A Midwife Solution, a documentary produced by Nicole Havelka and Honey Head Films, which highlights the need for CPM licensure in North Carolina. The film, which premiered in Wilmington on September 6th, will be available for public viewing starting October 1st, with donations supporting NCACPM’s advocacy efforts.
The NCACPM Board also gathered for a retreat in late September to finalize plans for introducing their licensure bill in the upcoming legislative session. Momentum is building as the chapter works to bring CPM licensure to North Carolina! |
| | |  | We want to thank YOU, our dear community, for your incredible support of the Bigger Table Fund last month! Because of your collective generosity, we are able to provide $12,000 in grants this year—funding that goes directly toward expanding midwifery care and ensuring that more families can access the safe, culturally-centered care they deserve. |
| |  | Applications are Open for The Bigger Table Fund
Are you a student midwife of color, Indigenous, or LGBTQIA2S+? The Bigger Table Fund is here to support you on your journey into the world of midwifery!
We offer grants for: ✅ Initial NARM exam fees ✅ Retaking the NARM exam if needed ✅ One-time initial state licensing fees
We distribute $3,000 quarterly through a lottery system, with a max award of $1,000 per individual.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar! Application Deadlines: Jan 15, Apr 15, Jul 15, Oct 15
Who Can Apply? If you're a CPM or a student midwife of color, Indigenous, or LGBTQIA2S+, you're eligible to apply. No need to specify your group. |
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|  | Highlighting a New Membership Benefit!Exciting news for NACPM members! We’re thrilled to partner with Kolibrí International Birth Institute (KIBI) to offer a 20% discount on all their courses. Whether you're a midwife, doula, doctor, or any maternity care professional, KIBI’s courses provide the education you need to meet today’s challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity and other valuable benefits of being part of the NACPM community!
We are continuously exploring new benefits for our members and offering advertising opportunities. If your business is passionate about supporting the CPM community and would like to get involved, please reach email us.
Not a member of NACPM? There couldn’t be a better time to become one with even more new benefits on the horizon. Become a member today! |
| |  | 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. |
| | |  | 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! |
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