Midwifery has been around for hundreds of years. Even then, mothers had other women assisting and supporting them in childbirth. According to Midwifery Today, it was New York City that first required midwives to be licensed in 1716. It had long been accepted that midwives had a greater knowledge base in childbirth.
And yet today, many people still hold myths about midwifery that are stuck in the middle ages. Some people still think that midwives do not need a license to practice. Others believe midwifery is anti-science. Nothing could be further from the truth!
So here today are the myths we need to debunk and the truths we need to start sharing.
Myth 1: Midwives have no formal education.
When you need a healthcare provider for your pregnancy, it’s important that YOU know the options available for you. Midwives are formally trained and they require certification to be able to practice. At Casa Natal, we have CPMs, CNMs and LMs. A CPM is a Certified Professional Midwife who is a professional independent midwifery practitioner that has been trained, primarily, in the out of hospital setting. That means that our midwives have met the standards and are certified by the North American Registry of Midwives and have passed the national certification exam.
LM stands for Licensed Midwife in California. Licensed Midwives are licensed through the Medical Board of California, as well as being CPMs. For continuing education, LMs have to review and renew their license every 2 years.
A CNM is a Certified Nurse Midwife who holds a master’s degree in Nursing or a related field. They’ve passed a national certification exam and they are required to renew licenses every five years. This helps them update their skills and knowledge. A certified midwife, although not a nurse, must also take these exams and complete midwifery education training.
If you’re considering working with a midwife throughout your pregnancy and birth, don’t hesitate to check their certification and credentials.
Myth 2: Midwives don’t take insurance.
Some families who have thought of taking the midwifery route often back out because of the myth that midwives don’t take insurance. At Casa Natal, we want to help make this journey in your life, as hassle-free as possible. We can accept most major insurance companies with a PPO option. You can learn more about our flexible financial options – https://casa-natal.com/midwifery/
Myth 3: Midwives can only care for pregnant and postpartum women.
Midwives are trained to address ANY and all issues that affect women. We offer Well-Woman Care services. That includes annual exams like a pap smear and family planning. A midwife can assess and refer when appropriate for hormone testing and balancing, preconception and fertility, menopause and general health and wellness.
At Casa Natal, our wish is to provide health and wellness to the whole family. We have partnered with trusted practitioners to bring you complementary holistic services to support you in this journey.
Myth 4: Midwives only provide care for home births.
Some people still think that birthing with a midwife is a kooky move. In reality, however, the vast majority of deliveries attended by midwives happen in free-standing birth centers and hospitals. Still, you also have the option to give birth at home where you can feel safe and comfortable. Having a midwife with you ensures a supportive birth experience. The midwives at Casa Natal are specially trained in out-of-hospital birth.
These are just some of the myths surrounding midwifery practice. When people throw out these myths, they open themselves to a better, more holistic healthcare opportunity. So let go and stay informed!