What is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?

A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a knowledgeable, skilled and professional independent midwifery practitioner who has met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and is qualified to provide the Midwives Model of Care. The CPM is the only international credential that requires knowledge about and experience in out-of-hospital settings.

Learn more about the Midwives Model of Care.

Do Certified Professional Midwives provide safe care?

YES! The largest ever prospective study of planned out-of-hospital births with Certified Professional Midwives was published in the British Medical Journal in 2005. It included all planned out-of-hospital births attended by Certified Professional Midwives in the year 2000 -- more than 5,000 births. The study showed that outcomes were the same for newborns and complications were significantly lower for mothers, when compared to low-risk hospital births.

Read the CPM 2000 study.

Why should we create new laws to license Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) when Ohio already has regulations licensing Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs)?

Ohio needs Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) to safely care for families who choose out-of-hospital birth. Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) train and practice primarily in hospital settings, and are not required to have any clinical experience with out-of-hospital birth.  Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) train and practice primarily in out-of-hospital settings, and their qualification process reflects the unique skills necessary for safely managing out-of-hospital births.

Learn more about the differences and similarities between Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs).

How are Certified Professional Midwives qualified?

Certified Professional Midwives are either graduates of an accredited midwifery education program, or have completed a competency-based portfolio evaluation demonstrating equivalent skills and experience. They must document extensive clinical experience with prenatal care, births, postpartum and newborn care which encompasses continuity of care and must include out-of-hospital settings. They must also pass both a written and a practical clinical skills exam and have current certification in both adult CPR and infant CPR or neonatal resuscitation. Certification must be renewed every three years and documented continuing education and peer review hours are required in order to re-certify.

Learn more about becoming a Certified Professional Midwife.