Black Women’s Reproductive Health and Sexuality: A Holistic Public Health Approach:

NACPM is thrilled to celebrate the recognition of Black Women’s Reproductive Health and Sexuality as an Outstanding Academic Title by Choice, the review service of the Association of College and Research Libraries.

The Black Maternal Health Caucus recently shared several important opportunities to get involved in advancing health equity through new initiatives and advisory committees. These initiatives aim to address systemic barriers, improve outcomes, and expand education and leadership in maternal and child health.

These opportunities are critical steps toward addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable maternal and child healthcare. We encourage schools, organizations, and individuals in our community to explore these programs and apply or nominate candidates where applicable.

The incoming Legislative and Policy Advisor has an exciting opportunity to support the growth of integration of the CPM profession at the state and federal level. In support of the ED and the board, the Legislative and Policy Advisor will be essential in helping to forward innovation in perinatal health equity and reproductive justice.

New updates in midwifery news + research.

As election season approaches, it’s important to remember that your vote has a direct impact on the future of midwifery and maternal health in the U.S. The decisions made by elected officials shape which bills are introduced and passed, determining how midwifery is recognized at the state level and integrated into federal healthcare systems like Medicaid and TRICARE.

We are excited to announce a special opportunity to enhance your skills and earn CEUs! For a limited time, our CEU-eligible webinars are available at a 50% discount. 

Midwifery and maternal health in the news

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.

Hello! My name is Tamara Trinidad González, I am a Certified Professional Midwife in Puerto Rico and I am part of the NACPM Board of Directors. We are currently in our annual Bigger Table Fund campaign, which is a very important monetary fund that allows us to create, and expand access to cover the costs of the certification and licensure exam, especially for communities of color, indigenous communities and also LGBTIQ+ communities.

Meet Paloma Del Mar Hernandez Quiñones , a  Bigger Table Fund recipient  and the the second Black Certified Professional Midwife in Puerto Rico!

Meet Okunsolo Amadou, one of three Bigger Table Fund recipients who are now serving on the NACPM Board of Directors. Watch her story and see the impact of your donations.

The Bigger Table Fund is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for midwifery. This initiative is a powerful step toward addressing the systemic inequities that exist within the CPM workforce.

"“NACPM is excited about the introduction of the MIDWIVES for Servicemembers Act, marking a pivotal step toward broadening access to credentialed midwifery care for military families,” said National Association of Certified Professional Midwives Executive Director Cassaundra Jah, MSM, LM. “This legislation is vital in guaranteeing that all service members and their families receive the highest quality maternal care, no matter where they are stationed. By supporting this bill, we are one step closer to addressing disparities and improving maternal outcomes in the United States.”

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.

Midwife care is associated with overall better health outcomes for both mother and baby, with significantly lower rates of emergency c-sections, episiotomies and preterm births. Taken together, the facts about outcomes and other nations’ standards of care expose American attitudes toward midwives, often considered heedless or amateurish, as uninformed — and, often, rooted in sexist assumptions about women’s abilities and wisdom.