| | “Transformation: The Price of Growth”By: Brooke Prudhomme, CPM
This topic, growth, was assigned to me months ago, but it feels wildly fortuitous in light of the recent conversations at this year's International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) gathering in Lisbon, Portugal. |
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| Growth is an uncomfortable thing. Dare I say dangerous? Violent, even. We often think of growth as a gentle unfolding; the steady, almost imperceptible movement of nature toward the sun. But the mythologies, stories, and art that have survived for thousands of years tell a different truth. Transformation, my dearest midwife sisters, as those of us who serve at the birth altar know well, is rarely gentle. It asks something of us. And no matter what your positionality may be, sometimes it asks for everything.
The first image that surfaced as I sat down to write this morning was one I spent hours studying as a child in a 1950s Encyclopedia Britannica at my grandmother's house: the chrysalis.
I was so taken with the concept of the chrysalis that I recreated the image years later below from the one in the encyclopedia. |
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| Can you imagine being a caterpillar?
After months of warm summer days, systematically chomping the edges of juicy chlorophyll leaves, nourished and healthy, knowing exactly who you are and how you work in the world, you reach a moment when your little plump body can carry you no further. So, you instinctively weave yourself into a cocoon and surrender. THEN, you dissolve into liquid. Nothing added. Nothing removed. No new ingredients. Just everything essential to you liquified. And, yet, what emerges is an entirely different creature. A beautiful beast. Glorious.
If I imagine myself as a caterpillar, I don't imagine I would feel anything but trust in this biological and inevitable process. But as a human? Letting go at that level, surrendering to a process that, from the outside, looks remarkably like death is terrifying.
The grief of leaving behind an identity that has served us well. The uncertainty of surrendering a way of being that has felt so safe for so many of us. The fear of becoming something we cannot yet imagine. Will you, sister midwife, cling to the systems that brought you here? Or will you surrender to the inclusion that carries all of us forward?
A second image followed. I imagined myself inside the chrysalis, reduced to my own essential elements. Then Inanna emerged: the ancient Sumerian Queen of Heaven and Earth as she famously descends through the seven gates of the underworld to save her sister. Unlike the caterpillar, whose transformation is biological, Inanna chooses transformation at each gate in service to her sister. At each gate, she is required to surrender something precious: her crown, her jewels, her robes, her symbols of power. Piece by piece, she is stripped until she stands naked and unrecognizable. She is judged by her sister, who is suffering because her demon husband looked at Inanna with lust — so she is hung from a meat hook and dies there. Yet, she is saved after three days. Every identity she believed made her who she is, is removed. None of it goes as she thought it would, but she eventually returns with the gift of clarity.
What do we as midwives cling to that could be surrendered in service to strength in inclusion and unification? Titles, policies, hierarchies, traditions, and narratives long after they have ceased to serve life itself as it exists in the present moment? What structures do we defend because they are familiar, forgetting that familiarity is not the same thing as wisdom. More importantly, have we forgotten that power often disguises itself as expertise, deciding whose knowledge counts and whose knowledge is dismissed?
The chrysalis dissolves and the butterfly emerges. Inanna descends and rises with clarity and discernment. Birth rearranges the body and transforms the birther in service to the new life. But, no transformation on this planet is tidy. What if growth is not a reward for transformation, but transformation is the price of growth? |
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| | Apply for the Bigger Table Fund! Deadline: July 15. |
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| The Bigger Table Fund is a scholarship initiative to help grow a racially, ethnically, and socially representative CPM workforce to meet the urgent needs of childbearing people in our country. More specifically, the Fund provides financial awards for student midwives of color as well as Indigenous and/or LGBTQIA2S+ student midwives for: The initial NARM examination fee The fee for retaking the NARM examination when needed One-time initial state licensing fees
Up to $3,000 total is distributed quarterly. This cycle’s application deadline is July 15. Recipients will be announced on August 1. |
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| | NACPM is committed to investing in the systemic changes and direct support needed to open pathways for more Black, Indigenous, and other midwives of color as well as LGBTQIA2S+ students to enter the profession and sustain their midwifery practices. This Fund helps address these needs.
You can help us! You can make a direct impact in growing the midwifery workforce in this country with a donation. Every little bit adds up and helps the trajectory of U.S. midwives — from student to credentialed and licensed CPM.
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| | | Tanya Khemet Taiwo Scholarship Application Closes Today, June 30! |
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| You still have some hours to get your app in! The Tanya Khemet Taiwo Midwifery (TKT) Student Scholarship officially closes for the year on June 30.
The TKT Scholarship is an initiative to grow the number of Black and Indigenous midwives in the CPM workforce. More specifically, it provides $5,000 individual awards for tuition and related educational expenses to second- and third-year Black and Indigenous midwifery students enrolled in MEAC-accredited programs. |
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| | The Fund is a celebration of the legacy of Dr. Tanya Khemet Taiwo as NACPM’s longest-serving Black woman on its Board of Directors, as well as an exemplary community health innovator, epidemiologist, researcher, and midwifery educator. We encourage you to help continue this work by making a contribution to the fund. No matter how small the amount, it all adds up! |
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| | | Recap: 34th Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) |
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| This recap includes information from an earlier update. Read it here.
NACPM Executive Director Cassaundra Jah, joined by Board Members Meredith Bowden (second delegate) and Autumn Cavender (observer), traveled to Lisbon, Portugal for the 34th ICM Triennial Congress. They were joined by midwives from over 80 countries. |
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| Meredith Bowden (left), Autumn Cavender, Cassaundra Jah |
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| The ICM Triennial Congress is the largest global gathering of midwives, a unique opportunity to share knowledge, discuss pressing issues, and shape the future of midwifery and sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH). Held every three years, the Congress brings together midwives, midwives’ associations, educators, researchers, and partners from around the world to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and collaborate on advancing the profession. |
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| Although the ICM Congress was a special experience in the continued development and growth of global midwifery, we would be remiss to not mention two concerns of ours that deeply affect our momentum.
First, we want to address our sorrow that NACPM’s President, Tigist Ejeta, was unable to serve as a delegate this year. Out of legitimate concern for her safety given the current uncertainty surrounding U.S. travel visa processes and the real risk that immigrants face, we supported the difficult decision to not have her travel. These challenges reflect a broader reality that many midwives around the world continue to face, namely significant barriers to fully participating in global spaces. Other associations were unable to send delegates because of visa denials.
We are grateful that Meredith Bowden, our longest-standing current board member, and Cassaundra Jah were able to serve as delegates alongside American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Vice President, Pandora Hardtman and Immediate Past President, Jessica Brumley. We welcomed one of our newest board members, Autumn Cavender, to be an observer.
Second, among the matters considered by the Council was a recommendation to suspend the ICM Position Statement on Partnership Between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Midwives while revisions were being developed.
NACPM and ACNM both voted against the measure and worked collaboratively to raise concerns about the subsequent approved suspension. While both organizations support thoughtful review, clarification, and potential revision of the statement, we believe the existing position should remain in place until replacement language can be developed and approved. Removing it before replacement language exists created a significant gap in ICM policy and has already undermined trust built over years of relationship and engagement with Indigenous midwives and communities around the world.
The NACPM Board helped craft, review, and approve a joint statement with ACNM. (Updated June 20, 2026: An earlier version of this letter incorrectly spelled out the name of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). It has been corrected.)
Our actions on this issue aren’t over. We will be sending a letter to ICM that, once again, details our disappointment with this process and offers a constructive path forward. We will keep you informed as this work continues and will share the ICM follow-up letter.
We are proud to say we also came ready to live our values when they are tested. Thank you for the trust you place in NACPM to represent community midwifery on the world stage with integrity and care.
Be on the look out for a special edition newsletter that will feature qutoes, stories, and pictures from other CPMs who attended! |
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| | Engage With the Think Big Initiative |
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| We want you to join the Think Big Initiative! Our third Community Conversation on July 1st focuses on one of the most urgent structural challenges in community midwifery: Systems Integration.
The U.S. maternity care system operates as a collection of disconnected silos, and the gaps between them can be deadly. When a client moves from a community midwife to a hospital team, or from birth to postpartum care, critical information, relationships, and accountability can disappear in the transition. True integration means building the structures, protocols, and relationships that allow care to follow the person wherever they go, rather than forcing families to navigate fragmentation alone.
Call in! Register for any (or all) of our next three Community Conversations, each representing the domains of the Initiative:
Systems Integration July 1, 2026 | 3pm PT | Register here
Quality Improvement July 8, 2026 | 3pm PT | Register here
Policy Reform July 15, 2026 | 3pm PT | Register here
Can’t make it to the live event? A written input form will be shared alongside this event. You can also share your perspective with us at any time here. |
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| | New Employment Section Added to Our Website |
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| Do you have a CPM-related job, fellowship, preceptorship or clinical placement? Post it on our website. We now have a section titled “Employment” on our home page just for this!
Adding to the postings is a members only benefit. Become a member today to get started. Contact us for more information. |
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| NACPM is hiring for a Director of State Policy. Help shape the future of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) across the U.S. by leading state-level policy strategy, supporting advocates on the ground, and advancing the integration of community-based midwifery into the broader maternal health landscape.
This is a remote contract position, reporting directly to NACPM’s Executive Director. Approximately 20 hours per week Flexible scheduling based on contractor availability Workload expected to fluctuate seasonally, with heavier involvement during first and third quarters Compensation: $30-40/hour, depending on experience and qualifications
What You’ll Do
As Director of State Policy, you will play a central role in advancing NACPM’s policy vision nationwide. Some of the things you will do in this position: Track and analyze legislation and regulation affecting CPM practice across all U.S. states and territories Build strategic partnerships with advocates, chapters, and allied organizations Facilitate coalition conversations and help navigate complex policy disagreements Draft letters of support or opposition on emerging legislation Help design NACPM’s long-term state advocacy strategy Help shape the future direction of the CPM profession within the evolving national maternal health framework
We’re Looking For Someone Who Has Strong experience in state or federal legislative advocacy Deep familiarity with the CPM credential and the realities of community-based midwifery practice Understanding of the history of midwifery regulation in the United States Ability to analyze policy through a racial equity and reproductive justice lens Excellent writing, communication, and strategic thinking skills Strong facilitation skills and ability to work through conflict with empathy and nuance Comfort working independently while collaborating closely with leadership in a remote environment
To Apply
Send your resume, cover letter, and three references to Cassaundra Jah via executivedirector@nacpm.org. |
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| | Place Your Bid in the NACPM July Silent Auction |
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| This month’s NACPM Silent Auction is sponsored by NACPM Board Vice President Farrah Ka’healani Rivera. She designed and created these custom, handmade jewelry pieces.
The set of six pieces includes water birth earrings (displayed above) as well as the following: Balance and protection earrings Transformative Black birth earrings From the heavens pregnancy earrings From the heavens necklace MIDWIFE earrings
Take a look… |
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| “I continue to hold passion and an unwavering commitment to what I believe are urgent priorities in our midwifery profession. I deeply believe that experienced BIPOC and LGBTQ+ midwives need to step into leadership roles where perinatal stakeholders are making decisions about birthing people and the midwifery profession. These spaces are often without midwives’ voices at the table. This is happening across the nation and perpetuating harm to our shared communities and to the midwifery profession. These passions have lead to my work as researcher with HEALING Midwifery, my role as an educator, perinatal advocate, and holding the role of Board Vice President of NACPM.
To support these initiatives, I am contributing to this month’s auction, utilizing an outlet that helps me balance my work life. Midwives often have hobbies and/or multiple streams of income to make life work, and I commend all those who continue to hold both while in service to the birth altar. By bidding on these earrings and necklace I've designed, you are directly supporting the sustainability and mission of NACPM. And if your bid wins, you'll looks adorable while doing all the things.” — Farrah Ka’healani Rivera, LM, CPM, MS |
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| We invite our community to take the Birth By Birth Pledge!
Midwives show up — in every kind of crisis and in the quiet power of daily care. Each birth you attend is an act of courage, commitment, and love. We’re asking you to reflect on that work and consider making a donation of $10 for every birth you attend through the year.
Your pledge supports NACPM’s work to expand access, grow the CPM workforce, and advance equity in midwifery care. Whether you’ve attended five births or fifty, your impact is undeniable, and your support helps build the future of this movement. |
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| | | Legislative & Advocacy Updates |
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| In early June, we asked our community to contact Members of Congress and urge them to protect the midwifery set-aside in the FY 2027 Labor HHS Appropriations Bill.
Well, grassroots midwifery won that day. The House Appropriations Committee took a significant step by passing the bill! A total of $5,000,000 is allotted “to support grants awarded purpose of educating midwives to address the national shortage of maternity care providers.” Thanks to the collective advocacy of our community, the bill maintains critical investments in midwifery education. It also features a bipartisan manager’s amendment, reclassifying advanced nursing programs—including Certified Nurse-Midwives—as professional degree programs.
Looking ahead, the bill faces a full House vote, likely in late July or early September. The Senate will then take up its own version, and both chambers must reconcile the differences before the final funding bill is approved. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage!
This milestone demonstrates ongoing support from lawmakers for expanding the midwifery workforce. More than 140 advocates participated in this campaign. Their efforts underscore the importance of midwifery education programs, which prepare Certified Nurse-Midwives, Certified Midwives, and Certified Professional Midwives to serve families across the country. Continued funding ensures that more communities have access to the quality, compassionate care that midwives provide. |
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| | On June 25th, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration’s rule that would have restricted federal student loan eligibility for graduate nursing, midwifery, and other healthcare professional degree programs. The rule was set to take effect July 1, 2026. |
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| | Reminder to Submit Your Events! |
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| We welcome all NACPM Chapters and Partners to submit your events, updates, and happenings!
View Our Event Calendar. (If viewing on mobile device, hover over the gray calendar boxes.)
Submit Your Event. If you or others in your network/community are hosting relevant events, or events that offer CEUs to midwives, please share this form with them so we can feature the event on our calendar. |
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| | | “The Community Birth Conference” is Happening May 2027 |
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| The National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM) and the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) are excited to announce our partnership in hosting "The Community Birth Conference," taking place May 20–23, 2027, in Greenville, South Carolina.
We’re also seeking enthusiastic committee members from our member communities. By joining, you will help shape the conference program by: Identifying keynote themes that reflect the current opportunities and challenges facing community birth Recommending and evaluating potential keynote speakers Reviewing and evaluating presentation proposals Identifying timely, relevant, evidence-informed sessions for attendees Contributing to creating a diverse and engaging educational program Helping ensure the conference inspires meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and action
The expected volunteer time commitment is 2-4 hours per month. Sign up to volunteer now through July 7, or subscribe for conference updates. We can’t wait to see you all next spring! |
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| | NACPM is proud to be supported by hundreds of individual donors and these visionary foundations. |
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