April 2025 Newsletter: Midwives - Critical in Every Crisis

Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis

͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

When Crisis Is in the Air: Understanding the Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Our Communities By Anna Humphreys, MPH, MSM, CPM Wildfires are becoming a more frequent and devastating part of life for many of the communities midwives serve. While we often think about wildfires in terms of physical destruction, there is another layer of harm that can be harder to see: the mental and physical health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure. In 2022, I published a study exploring how wildfire smoke affects mental health outcomes, particularly in rural communities. What my team found was concerning but not surprising. People living through smoke events, even if they are not directly in the path of the fire, often experience increased anxiety, depression, and isolation. I built on this work with my Master of Science in Midwifery, capstone and found that pregnant individuals and their babies are especially vulnerable, both physically and emotionally, during these events. Our research highlighted a critical reality: the effects of climate-driven crises are not distributed equally. People living in rural areas, those in poverty, and communities of color often have fewer resources, limited access to healthcare, and face unique challenges when trying to protect their families and access clean air. These challenges become even greater during pregnancy, when the stakes for healthy outcomes are even higher. Midwives have a unique role to play. We are trusted community members, health advocates, and educators. By helping families prepare for smoke events through practical steps like home air filtration, understanding when to seek care, and offering emotional support, we can make a meaningful difference. This year's International Day of the Midwife theme, "Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis," resonates deeply with this work. Environmental crises like wildfires are no longer occasional emergencies. They are part of the landscape of care we must be ready to meet. I am excited to share more about these findings and practical tools for community education during NACPM’s upcoming webinar, "Wildfire Smoke and Midwifery: Tools for Community Education and Resilience," on May 6, 2025. As we honor this year's International Day of the Midwife, I look forward to exploring how midwives can continue to be critical supports in every crisis, offering steady care and leadership when our communities need us most. International Day of the Midwife 2025: Recognizing Midwives as Essential in Every Emergency This year’s International Day of the Midwife theme, Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis, honors the essential role midwives play during every kind of emergency — from climate disasters to public health crises to personal moments of vulnerability. Certified Professional Midwives know this reality well. Midwives are trusted caregivers and steady leaders when communities need them most. In celebration of this work, we’re excited to share that Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis – A Campaign Toolkit for Storytelling, Advocacy, and Community Action will be released in early May. This resource will offer simple, meaningful ways to uplift midwifery, share your story, and take action in support of the profession — not just for International Day of the Midwife, but all year long. Be on the lookout — and get ready to join us in celebrating the impact of midwives and mobilizing support for a stronger future of care. To learn more about this year’s theme,  Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis, watch this video: Building the Future of Midwifery: NACPM’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan We are proud to share NACPM’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan: A Vision for Collective Action, Community Leadership, and Lasting Impact. This plan lays out a bold and actionable roadmap for strengthening midwifery care, advancing equity, and supporting Certified Professional Midwives across the United States. Rooted in community leadership and a deep commitment to reproductive justice, the plan focuses on building a more sustainable midwifery workforce, expanding access to community-based care, strengthening organizational leadership, and advancing state and federal policy change. We invite all members, partners, and supporters to explore the plan and join us in this collective effort to center midwifery, transform care, and create lasting change View NACPM’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis — and in Every Birth This International Day of the Midwife, NACPM is celebrating the life-changing work of Certified Professional Midwives by inviting 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. Now, we’re asking you to reflect on that work and consider making a donation of just $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. Take the Pledge and help us strengthen midwifery, birth by birth. Take the Birth by Birth Pledge Now New Tools, Real Impact: Mapping Data to Advance Midwifery Policy In 2024, NACPM launched a major data initiative, creating an interactive mapping platform that consolidates state-specific midwifery information into a dynamic and user-friendly tool. Users can explore and compare critical data nationwide, including a new state-by-state database on community midwives' access to life-saving medications. This work is already shaping real policy. Multiple states are requesting information on national legislative standards for specific policies like requirements for referals, co management, and consultation. We are committed to using data to advance equitable maternity care, and we need your help to expand this important work. Our first survey gathers input on restrictions related to breech, twin, VBAC births, and newborn screening. Your participation will help us build the next iteration of interactive maps to guide advocacy and improve access to care. Access the Current Survey Share Your Midwifery Story: Inspire Change, Educate Communities, and Build the Future of Care Midwifery changes lives. Whether you are a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), student midwife, client, or advocate, your story can help raise awareness, inspire change, and strengthen our collective movement for equitable access to midwifery care. Midwifery is more than a model of care—it’s love, trust, resilience, and transformation. Every birth, every challenge, every moment of connection tells a story that can change hearts and minds. When you share your story, you help others see the beauty and impact of midwifery—and why it must be accessible to all. Your voice can inspire, educate, and ignite change. We’re listening. By sharing your experience, you help: ✔ Educate the public and policymakers about the impact of midwifery. ✔ Advocate for legislation that expands access to CPM care. ✔ Support the next generation of midwives and birth advocates. We want to hear from you! Tell us how midwifery has impacted your life, the challenges you’ve faced, or why you believe in the power of CPM care. Your story can be featured on NACPM’s website, newsletters, social media, and advocacy campaigns to help grow awareness and drive meaningful change. Share Your Story Now Join Us for NACPM’s Midwifery Student Social Hour! NACPM warmly invites you to our Midwifery Student Social Hour—a space for student midwives to connect, share experiences, and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities within midwifery education and practice. Date: June 18th, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM PST | 5:00 PM CST | 6:00 PM EST Learn more & register: NACPM.ORG/MIDWIFERYSTUDENTSOCIAL This is your opportunity to engage with NACPM leaders, voice your concerns in a supportive space, and build a strong network of peers. We look forward to seeing you there! Upcoming Webinar: Wildfire Smoke and Midwifery : Tools for Community Resilience Education and Resilience As wildfire smoke becomes increasingly common across North America, midwives are often on the front lines—supporting clients navigating the health risks it poses during pregnancy. Join us for "Wildfire Smoke and Midwifery: Tools for Community Education and Resilience" with Anna Humphreys, MPH, MSM, CPM, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This webinar explores the science behind wildfire smoke, its impact on pregnant people and fetuses, and how midwives can share practical tools and resources to promote both mental and physical wellbeing. This session is informed by real-world interviews with CPMs working in smoke-affected areas and offers 2 MEAC CEUs. Register now. Let’s build resilience together—one informed conversation at a time. Massachusetts Midwifery Licensure: Support, Equity & Systems Change With the new Massachusetts midwifery licensure law set to take effect in November 2024, NACPM’s Massachusetts Chapter is focused on supporting community midwives through this historic transition. From fundraising to remove financial barriers to licensure, to helping shape long-term educational and payment systems, the chapter is committed to equity and sustainability every step of the way. Current fundraising efforts are aimed at supporting midwives who need to complete the Bridge Certificate in order to qualify for licensure. You can donate or learn more here: machapternacpm.com/support. The chapter is also working closely with advocates and educators to support the development of a CPM training program at a Massachusetts community college—one that will be tuition-free for MA residents without prior college degrees. In parallel, efforts are underway to secure sustainable billing pathways with MassHealth (Medicaid), particularly for intrapartum care that ends in transfer prior to delivery. If your state has navigated this successfully, MA NACPM would love to connect! Georgia Hosts Birth Expo to Celebrate Midwifery and Advance Advocacy The Georgia State NACPM Chapter recently partnered with the state consumer alliance to host a vibrant Birth Expo fundraiser—bringing together birth workers, families, and advocates in a joyful and impactful gathering. The event featured local midwives, doulas, and perinatal professionals offering services and products at community booths throughout the venue. Attendees enjoyed a dynamic panel discussion on building the ideal pregnancy support team, alongside a powerful presentation on Georgia’s rich midwifery heritage and the urgent need for legislative progress. The expo successfully raised funds to support ongoing advocacy work, while also deepening community ties and uplifting the essential role of midwives in Georgia’s future. New York Advocacy Grows Stronger Through Coalition Building and National Visibility NYCPM has had an impactful and energizing start to the year, deepening partnerships, expanding public education, and building momentum for CPM licensure in the state. NYCPM continues to work closely with state legislators to advance a bill that would establish licensure for Certified Professional Midwives in New York. As founding members of the Mobilize Maternal Health Coalition (MMHC)—a growing statewide alliance to improve access and outcomes in maternal health—the chapter is helping lead coordinated efforts to elevate midwifery care as a key solution. This quarter, NYCPM joined MMHC in hosting a live virtual teach-in on midwifery and legislative advocacy (watch the playback at mobilizematernalhealth.com) and participated in an in-person Day of Action and press event at the Capitol in Albany, where the CPM bill was a featured priority. In a major moment of national visibility, the documentary Arrest the Midwife—which follows the arrest of three New York CPMs and the powerful grassroots advocacy of Amish and Mennonite families—premiered at SXSW in March 2025 to a deeply moved audience. We’re proud to recognize NYCPM as the first official NACPM State Partner. As the chapter works to refine bill language to clarify CPM scope of practice and distinguish it from that of CNMs and CMs already licensed in the state, we welcome input from other states—particularly around language on scope and prescription authority. NYCPM is also raising funds to retain a lobbyist who can help build new relationships in the legislative process and ensure the voices of midwives and families are heard. We’re inspired by their leadership and commitment to transformative change in New York. New Jersey Bill Introduced to Modernize Midwifery for All NACPM’s New Jersey Chapter is thrilled to share that Assemblywoman Shanique Speight has officially introduced A5527, a forward-looking bill that will modernize midwifery in New Jersey for all midwives—CPMs, CMs, and CNMs alike. This legislation would establish a Midwifery Board independent from the Board of Medical Examiners, remove physician supervision requirements, and grant autonomous midwifery practice and prescriptive privileges—based on a formulary established by the board—to CNMs and CMs. For CPMs, this bill paves the way for full recognition and the ability to practice to the full extent of their training and expertise. We’re hopeful that committees in the Assembly will move swiftly as a few key amendments are finalized—and then it’s on to the Senate! In the meantime, the NJ chapter is organizing a joyful midwife gathering on May 4, 2025, in honor of International Day of the Midwife. This event won’t be a peer review or a policy planning session—it’s a chance to step away from work and simply be together as a community that loves and supports one another, on every level. May Silent Auction: Birth of a Universe Canvas Art by Lauren J. Turner In celebration of NACPM’s 25th anniversary, we’re continuing our monthly silent auction series! Each month, a board member offers a unique item and shares their “why” behind raising funds for NACPM’s work. This month’s offering comes from NACPM Vice President Tigist Ejeta, CPM, LM: A striking canvas painting titled Birth of a Universe by artist Lauren J. Turner, featuring a baby still connected to the placenta—a powerful image honoring the sacred connection between new life and the organ that sustains it. This piece beautifully reflects the reverence midwives hold for the entire birthing process. Starting bid: $40 All proceeds support NACPM’s policy, advocacy, and workforce initiatives. Place your Bid Now Why This Matters – A Message from Tigist Ejeta, CPM, LM "As Vice President of NACPM, a midwife advocate, and an educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of NACPM’s work on our profession, on emerging midwifery students, and on the communities we serve. I’m especially passionate about advocating for an expanded scope of practice and supporting students from underserved backgrounds. As maternity care deserts grow across the country, expanding the midwifery workforce is more critical than ever. NACPM is committed to fighting for federal recognition, reimbursement, and inclusion in healthcare policy—because when midwives have a seat at the table, health outcomes improve. That’s why I’m proud to support NACPM through this auction. By bidding on Birth of a Universe, you’re not only acquiring a meaningful piece of art—you’re also fueling the movement for equity in maternal health. Together, we can ensure that midwifery care is respected, reimbursed, and accessible to all." Place your bid now and support NACPM’s vision of equity, sustainability, and collective care. NACPM is in the process of considering the application of the Washington based organization Midwives Association of Washington State to become a State Partner with NACPM. Part of our process of considering Partner applications is requesting public comment. Public comments provide an opportunity for our community to inform the NACPM Board's decision making process and allow NACPM to benefit from our community's expertise and perspective. Through a public comment a member of the public can assist NACPM in making the best informed decision when considering State Partner Applications. Please provide any additional facts, information, or opinions you think NACPM should know when considering the partner organization on our form linked below.  Comments will be accepted until the end of day (a week from newsletter release date).    Public Comment Form: Partnership Application for the Midwives Association of Washington State VIEW OUR EVENT CALENDAR HERE If you or people in your network/community are hosting relevant events, or events that offer CEUs to midwives, please share this form with them so that we can feature their event on our calendar. SUBMIT YOUR EVENT HERE Thank you for helping us showcase the incredible work happening in the midwifery community! NACPM is proud to be supported by hundreds of individual donors and these visionary foundations. © 2024 NACPM 8120 RESEARCH BLVD STE 105 PMB 140 If you do not wish to receive further communication like this, unsubscribe here.

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