can anyone explain the difference in practice...

[mamahen2coop]

Can anyone explain the difference in practice between a CPM and a LM?  I'm in WA, if that matters. 
 

[Marissamom]

Usually WA state midwives give the title LM, which means Licensed (by the state of WA) Midwife. The LM credential is required by the state of WA to practice as a midwife, and I believe the training requirement is more stringent than the CPM training requirement. if someone is giving you CPM as their title, I would make sure they have a WA state license, because otherwise they're technically practicing without a license. you can use this link: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/SearchCriteria.aspx to check a midwife's license status, as well as see if they've had any discaplinary actions. 

as far as actually differences in practice, LMs have access to equipment that not all CPMs do. they carry Pit, Oxygen, etc. and they can order labs and ultrasounds. 

[mamahen2coop]

the person I talked to was a CPM in OR and was practicing with a larger group of midwives in WA for the past 4 years.  She said she is now on her own and working toward getting her LM but that it wouldn't probably be official until the summer.  I'm due in July so I'm wondering if that's OK or not.  She said she carries anti-hemorrahagics with her, O2, is NRP trained, etc.  Is this someone you would be wary of or comfortable with depending on her years experience?

[Marissamom]

If she will be licensed before you're 37 weeks, then I would be perfectly comfortable with it (WA state she can't attend a homebirth before 37 weeks), but if not she could end up attending your birth before she's licensed, and I personally wouldn't be okay with that because if anything were to happen she would face charges of practicing without a license (I think that means jail time). I'm personally not okay with that because in the event of warning signs for transfer she might be hesitant because of the possibility of facing charges. I'm not personally comfortable with someone attending my birth illegally when there are legal options (If I was in an illegal state I might do differently)

[nashvillemidwife]

Originally Posted by Marissamom 

If she will be licensed before you're 37 weeks, then I would be perfectly comfortable with it (WA state she can't attend a homebirth before 37 weeks), but if not she could end up attending your birth before she's licensed, and I personally wouldn't be okay with that because if anything were to happen she would face charges of practicing without a license (I think that means jail time). I'm personally not okay with that because in the event of warning signs for transfer she might be hesitant because of the possibility of facing charges. I'm not personally comfortable with someone attending my birth illegally when there are legal options (If I was in an illegal state I might do differently)

There's much more to practicing midwifery than catching a baby after 37 weeks. If she's providing prenatal care, she's practicing midwifery. If she doesn't have a license and is providing prenatal care, she's still practicing midwifery without a license no matter how many weeks you are.

[mwherbs]

In Washington it is a minor infraction to practice without a license and doesnt mean jail time. And there are exemptions to practicing without a license.
The midwife may be able to order labs and have back up and carry the usual stuff but she might not you wilo have to ask. The problem with the school has been it is in Seattle, costs have been high to attend and the time element - so as a result many women who have moved to go to the school end up staying in the higher population areas of the state, which are mainly on the West side, there is perhaps 1LM in the Spokane area and 1 in Tri-cities, so if you are in an area with limited choices ask around about this midwife and what her story is, also what is her plan for you to get a birth certificate, what exactly is missing for her to get and LM? Who does she attend births with? Most likely insurace wont pay for her unless she has malpractice and an LM.

[mamahen2coop]

Originally Posted by mwherbs 

In Washington it is a minor infraction to practice without a license and doesnt mean jail time. And there are exemptions to practicing without a license.
The midwife may be able to order labs and have back up and carry the usual stuff but she might not you wilo have to ask. The problem with the school has been it is in Seattle, costs have been high to attend and the time element - so as a result many women who have moved to go to the school end up staying in the higher population areas of the state, which are mainly on the West side, there is perhaps 1LM in the Spokane area and 1 in Tri-cities, so if you are in an area with limited choices ask around about this midwife and what her story is, also what is her plan for you to get a birth certificate, what exactly is missing for her to get and LM? Who does she attend births with? Most likely insurace wont pay for her unless she has malpractice and an LM.

She did say that she cannot accept insurance.  DH is definitely not comfortable with it so we wont be able to use her either.  :(
 

[douladianne]

I think I mentioned a few others for you to check out: Mif Carlson, Dawn Wadleigh, Amy Gordon or Marie Wakefield...ALL are Licensed Midwives and Marie is a Doctor of Naturopathy in addition to LM. Hope you find someone that you and your husband both like and are comfortable with so you can have your home birth :0)