An Ancient Art

Childbirth is a major life experience that is as unique as the woman giving birth. Since the beginning of time childbearing women have sought the individualized care, advice and companionship of midwives. Like their ancient predecessors, the modern midwife focuses on the fundamental belief and understanding that pregnancy and birth is a normal and natural process. Today’s midwife is an autonomous health professional who specializes in the complete and personalized healthcare of childbearing women and their newborns.

The Midwifery Model of care includes:

• Monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle

• Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling and prenatal care, continuous care during labor and delivery, and postpartum support

• Minimizing technological interventions

• Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention

(May 1996, Midwifery Task Force, All Rights Reserved.)

Types of midwives who practice in Oregon State:

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM): This credential requires all candidates attend a nursing education program. In addition each candidate must also complete additional hospital-based midwifery training. Most Certified Nurse Midwives practice in hospitals and free-standing birth centers.

Certified Professional Midwives (CPM): This credential requires candidates attend competency-biased midwifery education programs accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC), ACNM certification Council (ACC) or PEP. Each candidate must also complete a clinical component requiring out of hospital clinical experience that is at least 1 year in length and equivalent to1350 contact hours under the supervision of one or more approved preceptors. Most Certified Professional Midwives practice in home settings and free-standing birth centers.

Licensed Midwives: called Licensed Direct Entry Midwives in the state of Oregon, attend births in homes and free-standing birth centers. LDMs must meet specific educational and experience requirements, pass a national exam, maintain continuing education, and participate in peer review. They must follow practice standards and risk assessment protocols developed by the Oregon Board of Direct-entry Midwifery and renew their license annually. Licensed midwives may perform certain medical procedures such as suturing, administering specific medications or IV fluids as well as the use of oxygen.

Unlicensed Midwives: Births can legally be attended by unlicensed midwives in Oregon State. Most unlicensed midwives have developed their skill and education through self study and/or apprenticeship. Training and skills can vary from midwife to midwife. Unlicensed midwives may not legally perform medical procedures such as suturing, administering medications or IV fluids.

Services offered by Columbia Gorge Midwifery

Care is provided by a Certified Professional Midwife who is licensed in the state of Oregon. She offers a blend of traditional midwifery skills and techniques with modern medical knowledge. Her highly personalized, hands-on approach provides women with the attention needed for a safe and satisfying birth experience.