Midwifery in Michigan
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Learn how the state of Michigan defines a CPM and their scope of practice here.
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Wondering what aspects of the Public Health Code pertain to midwives? You can research it here.
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Curious what it takes to become a midwife? Learn more about the avenues and educational requirements to become a midwife, with links to certifying agencies here.
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Want to stay up-to-date with midwifery related news and support area midwives? Join the Friends of Michigan Midwives Facebook group here.
What is a Midwife?
The most basic definition of a midwife is “with woman”.
Midwives have been used throughout all of history and around the world, as women who are knowledgeable about birth and experienced in helping mothers have always been invaluable to their communities.
The State of Michigan licenses two types of Midwives:
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Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Licensed health care practitioners educated in the two disciplines of nursing and midwifery. They provide primary health care to women of childbearing age including: prenatal care, labor and delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, newborn care, assistance with family planning decisions, preconception care, menopausal management and counseling in health maintenance and disease prevention.
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Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
Licensed health care practitioners who have met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). They are independent practitioners educated in the discipline of midwifery through self-study, apprenticeship, formal midwifery school, or a college- or university-based program distinct from the discipline of nursing. A CPM is trained to provide care to healthy women and newborns throughout the childbearing cycle primarily in out-of-hospital settings and must have out-of-hospital experience.