This has been an excellent discussion.
In regards to education - someone posted their credentials for a school local to them - and I wanted to share the credentials/program of a school near me as well just so everyone can understand that SOME programs are good and SOME programs are bad. SOME give a wonderful education, and SOME do not. Carefully choosing your course of study is important.
Anatomy
Medical Terminology
Physiology
Fetal and Placental Development
Lab Work
Nutrition I
Nutrition II
Drugs and Interventions
Childbirth Education
Communication and Counseling
Risk Factors and Referrals
Basic Prenatal Care
Prenatal Discomforts
Prenatal Complications I
Prenatal Complications II
Labor and Delivery I
Labor and Delivery II
Pelvimetry and Fetal Position
Labor Support
Birth Complications I
Birth Complications II
Birth Complications III
Hospital Transport
Postpartum Normal I
Postpartum Normal II
Postpartum Changes
Breastfeeding
Postpartum Complications
Newborn Normal
Newborn Complications
It is estimated that the education part only takes approximately 36 months (3 years), then to fulfill our state's requirements and the NARM PEP Requirements another 1-2 years. So 4-5 years total. It is then recommended a midwife continue to gain knowledge and experience by apprenticing even further before beginning her own practice. I feel it is a balanced program for a CNM before seeking licensing.
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