Midwife question??

Question

Ok I want to be a midwife is anyone on here a midwife if so what is it like and what can i do to start to prepare myself now is there any books or tapes or anything like that??

i know i need to go to college i am just asking for anything that way i will have some knowledge when i do go i also want to start like keeping and taking notes on it! I am going to watch in the womb next time it comes on!

Answer 1

dono.com is a great site. You may even look into becoming a Doula. that is what i am doing. One of my births was over two years so i can not count that one and need to have one more. I chose a Doula because of insurance reasons but i still get to do what I yearn to do. Help bring little ones into the world and share one of the most intimate and wonderful times you can share with anyone.
I also worked for hospice and I needed to help bring someone into the world, not only helping them out of this life. I became very depressed and when i started to study it lifted me right up.

would help you to go to Salvation army / Goodwill and get Prenatal books. the more you learn now the better you off later with time. Also if you have a young moms org in your area visit with them and see if you can help. You will learn alot and get experience.
I was very lucky and found the Websters Dictionary, thesaurus &Medical Dictionary. It cost 60 dollars new i got it for a buck! It helped me out with my studies so much.

Oh i wanted to add you need to do many searches for your schooling. There is a big price difference and your state may need more or less then they can provide.

Answer 2

Actually there are three categories of midwives...CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) this is an RN who has taken extra year or more of classes to specialize..there is a CPM (certified Professional Midwife) this is a woman who is not a nurse, basically takes a series of difficult tests on the subject of midwifery care and if she passes....she can be a CPM...and a direct entry midwife ...who basically apprentices with another midwife.....the differences really come into focus depending on what state you are in....different states have made only certain types of midwives legal. In NY, only a CNM can legally deliver a baaby...at home or in a hospital, try this site to see where your state is in the legal wrangle....you can start your career by becoming a labor doula.....this is a few weeks worth of training, and something you can do to help pay for nursing school! Good Luck...we need more midwives!

Answer 3

There are 2 types of midwifery practice in the U.S....the direct-entry midwife (apprenticeship, midwifery school, etc.) and a Nurse-Midwife. The Nurse-Midwife is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has SPECIALIZED in the practice of ob/gyn in relatively healthy women. Yes, you read that right....they are not "a step down from a nurse's assistant" like previously mentioned by another user...they are RN's who continue education and specialize in this area. Most, even, have a master's degree in nursing.
You can probably find all the information you seek at the American College of Nurse Midwive's website here http://www.midwife.org/

Answer 4

I've had booking in apporintments with 2 different midwives, both at 10 weeks, and both times they have not tried to hear the heartbeat. Depends on the midwife though. It's mostly paperwork, also a blood test, urine sample and blood pressure.

Answer 5

I do believe you need to go to college. You definitely need more than books and tapes.

Answer 6

A midwife is a step down from a nurse's assistant....since you're going to go to college anyway, go the rest of the way and become a nurse. There's a nationwide shortage of them anyway.