| | Advocacy in Midwifery Practice and Education By: Farrah Ka'healani Rivera
LM, CPM, MSM |
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| The word “advocacy”, while by definition encompasses an action, can mean many things to different people. I would like to speak to the intention of the why perinatal advocacy is critical to the improvement of perinatal health disparities, and highlight examples of how you can step in, too.
For many, becoming an advocate is a necessity to speak on behalf of an injustice that is witnessed and or experienced, not addressed, repeats, and is then perpetuated. In this perpetuation, generational harm can happen and possibly, in the worst case scenario, lead to the development of cultural norms — for example, ohana (family) holding the belief that the only option to birth is in a hospital setting. As a community-based midwife educator, perinatal advocate, and NACPM Board Member, I know this is to not be true. Rather, there is historical, patriarchal, and capitalistic rhetoric that lead to births being taken away from ohana and midwifery and into hospitals.
While hospital birth can be assessed as a safe option for birthing people who require higher level of care, this is not true for low-risk pregnancies who are being cared for by midwives. Instead, what can create an unsafe out-of-hospital birthing situation is the lack of access to providers who are trained and experienced to conduct adequate perinatal care (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2023) as well as delays in treatment of emergent transfers (Team, 2025) that is largely due to the lack of integration of out-of-hospital birth, resulting in the perpetuation that midwifery is an afterthought for the care of our reproductive populations.
Access Matters Access to providers who are trained, experienced, and culturally representative of the communities they serve ties directly into the statistics of populations who are actively experiencing higher rates of maternal death: American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, and Pacific Islander populations (March of Dimes, 2024). Research is also catching up to the community knowledge that students in midwifery education are emphasizing: the need to re-envision midwifery education that includes the following (Altman et al., 2025): Teachings of midwifery origins and history Centering Black and Indigenous learners in midwifery education The need for a more inclusive version of midwifery education Increasing access to midwifery education
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| The diversification of midwifery workforce is not only crucial for the improvement of perinatal outcomes, but an act of reclamation for birthing communities. It also stands as a known evidence-based resolution to improve perinatal disparities (Almanza et al., 2022).
Read more… |
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| | THANK YOU TO OUR APRIL NEWSLETTER SPONSOR, COMMONSENSE CHILDBIRTH SCHOOL OF MIDWIFERY! |
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| The mission of Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery (CCSM) is to provide quality, practical, and culturally sensitive midwifery training and education that will prepare midwives of caliber who can represent themselves and their profession in any arena.
CCSM offers a National Hybrid Direct-Entry Midwifery program, adapted to suit the needs of aspiring midwives across the United States. CCSM is also expanding to a satellite school in California in 2026. Applications are open through May 4, 2026, with a start date in Fall 2026.
Connect with Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery! |
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| NACPM Virtual Conference is Coming! |
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| NACPM’s first-ever virtual conference, “Centering Midwives, Restoring Care,” is taking place May 20–21, 2026.
This two-day, immersive, virtual experience will bring together leading voices across clinical care, education, advocacy, research, equity, and systems change. With a strong emphasis on the latest research and evidence-based practice, this conference is designed to support and strengthen midwifery leadership at every level.
What to expect: 2 full days of live, virtual programming 4 learning sessions per day with interactive Q&A 12 MEAC continuing education contact hours (pending)
Register, and join us in fostering a supportive birth ecosystem for growth, leadership, and long-term impact in midwifery!
General admission is $249. If you’re not already, become an NACPM member to receive an additional discount code. CPMs and Friends of NACPM get 20% off; students get 30% off. Discount codes are emailed to members.
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| Are you an AirTable Expert? |
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| We’re in need of a short-term volunteer to help up with a data project. Don’t know airtable? We don’t either! We can learn together if you have time to give to the project! Multiple volunteers are okay. Interested? Contact us! |
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| | | Executive Director Travels |
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| Beloved Birth 50 by 50 Convening |
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| NACPM Executive Director Cassaundra Jah traveled to Washington, D.C. for the April 11 convening of “The Promise: Beloved Birth 50 by 50.” This is a collaborative efforts between Black Birthing Futures, Black Midwifery Collective, Birth Center Equity, and NACPM.
Beloved Birth 50 by 50 envisions that by 2050, half of all U.S. births will be attended by midwives. More specifically, this advocacy initiative uplifts the care models of Black midwives and birthing communities to expand access to safe, culturally grounded, and community-led birth care. |
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| With Nexus Award support from Johns Hopkins, the project convenes policymakers, funders, and maternal health leaders in learning sessions to surface state-level strategies, co-create a grassroots agenda, and align on financial midwifery as the backbone of U.S. perinatal care.
The work continues. |
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| | National News: Midwives Sue Georgia Over Restrictions |
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| | Community-based midwives in Georgia have been asking for licensure since 1991.
This lawsuit is against the State of Georgia to challenge the laws that block midwives from practicing and limit access to care. There are too many barriers to becoming a midwife or even accessing midwifery care. While options are shrinking for Georgia families, licensing community-based midwives is an obvious solution to increasing options for accessible care.
Specifically, this lawsuit challenges: Georgia’s ban on direct-entry midwives. While statutory code requires the Department of Public Health to certify direct-entry midwives, this hasn’t been done since 1979. Then in 2015 regulations were changed to only recognize certified nurse midwives. Georgia statutory code’s use of the term “normal childbirth”. Even if a midwife is licensed, physicians are still in control of determining what the midwife can and cannot do. Georgia’s requirement of certified nurse midwives to have a physician protocol agreement in order to practice. Physicians can charge an uncapped fee, restrict the nurse midwife’s scope of practice, or outright refuse. This is unreasonable because midwives are recognized as independent practitioners.
The lawsuit is titled “Amani v. The State of Georgia”. Jamarah Amani initially wanted to practice in Georgia, but moved to Florida to pursue midwifery education and legal practice. Founder of the Southern Birth Justice Network and the National Black Midwives Alliance, Jamarah is a nationally recognized birth justice leader. We are grateful to Jamarah for lending her name and excellent reputation in defense of Georgia midwives! |
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| The work continues. You can give direct support to the Georgia Chapter of NACPM by making a donation. You can also contact the chapter. |
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| | May 2026 Silent AuctionVintage Autographed Spiritual Midwifery T-shirt |
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| This month’s NACPM Silent Auction is sponsored by NACPM Board Member Meredith Bowden. It’s a “Crowning Baby Mandala” vintage t-shirt, signed by Ina May Gaskin.
Details · Unisex Size Medium · Gildan 100% cotton · Gently worn and well-cared for
Starting bid: $40 |
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| | Every bid helps advance Certified Professional Midwives through advocacy, education, and community programs that protect informed choice in birth. Each item you win directly supports access to safe, respectful, and culturally grounded maternity care.
Browse, bid, and share to stand with midwives and the people who choose their care. |
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| | “This isn’t just a T-shirt; it’s a piece of midwifery history! I acquired this Spiritual Midwifery “Crowning Baby Mandala” t-shirt while attending my very first Midwifery Skills Workshop in 2007, a milestone moment in my journey into birth work. The following year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a presentation by Ina May Gaskin which brought the Safe Motherhood Quilt Project to North Carolina.
I brought this very shirt and had it signed with a Sharpie, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind keepsake tied to a powerful moment in maternal health and midwifery advocacy. Whether you’re a midwife, birth worker, collector, or someone who values the legacy of holistic birth practices, this shirt carries sentimental significance. It’s a conversation piece and a tribute to the power of birth and community. — Meredith Bowden, CPM |
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| | NARM Preceptor and CPM Directory |
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| NARM is launching two new tools this spring designed to increase transparency, streamline your practice, and make it easier for CPM applicants to connect with preceptors.
The CPM Public Directory
A publicly accessible, searchable verification tool on NARM's website that allows employers, clients, state agencies, and other stakeholders to confirm CPM credential status in real time. The directory will display:
Your participation is your choice.
We understand that some members may have personal, safety, or privacy-related reasons to limit their public visibility. CPMs may opt out of the directory at any time, including during your initial application, renewal, or via a direct request to NARM. Opting out does not affect the validity of your certification.
The Preceptor Search (Members Portal)
A secure, members-only tool within the NARM portal that allows CPM applicants to search for approved preceptors who are currently accepting students.
Preceptors must opt in to appear in this search. You can indicate your preference during your initial or renewal application, or via a written request to NARM at any time.
Become a NARM Member: It's Free NARM provisional membership is free and open to all active, inactive, and retired CPMs, current applicants, and allied community members. Members gain access to our Community Center, with additional benefits coming soon. Joining as a member also gives you the easiest way to manage your directory preferences. During the membership application, you can choose to opt in or out of the public CPM directory in one step. Learn more.
What Happens Next You will receive a second communication closer to launch with full details on how to access the directory, update your preferences, and more.
We want to hear from you. If you have questions or feedback about these new tools, please visit the NARM Community Center here. You can also email us directly.
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| | CEU and Learning Opportunities |
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| Free CEU Opportunity: STD/STI, HIV & Hepatitis B Training |
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| The University of Washington's Infectious Diseases Education & Assessment Program is offering free, up-to-date training on STDs/STIs, HIV, and Hepatitis B through their National STD Curriculum (3rd Edition) and Hepatitis B Online platform. Together, these resources offer more than 32.5 free CME/CNE/CE credits and certificates of completion — available to all health care professionals and trainees at no cost.
Topics include syphilis in pregnancy, congenital syphilis, HBV diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. These are excellent resources to strengthen clinical knowledge and earn continuing education credits on your own schedule. Visit the National STD Curriculum and Hepatitis B Online to get started. |
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| | Now Enrolling: SAFEST Choice National Learning Collaborative — September 2026 |
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| The SAFEST Choice National Learning Collaborative, a joint initiative of Boston Medical Center and Proof Alliance, is now enrolling prenatal care teams for its September 2026 cohort. This HRSA-funded virtual ECHO program supports clinics in identifying and addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in prenatal and pediatric care settings.
Participants will learn to screen for prenatal alcohol use, deliver evidence-based brief interventions, and understand the impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure — all while earning free continuing education credits.
Space is limited and spots are allocated on a rolling, first-come basis, so early enrollment is encouraged. To learn more or enroll, contact safestchoice@bmc.org or visit safestchoice.org. |
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| | Elephant Circle Releases “The State of Birth Justice” Workbook |
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| The State of Birth Justice Workbook is a tool to accompany the State of Birth Justice platform. This workbook is meant to be printed, colored in, packed in your bag for coalition and legislative meetings! It's currently a digital tool (but not for long!). Printed versions will soon be available.
Let Elephant Circle know how you plan to use this tool, or the spaces you would like to see training, support and connection to advance policy. |
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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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| CPM Legislative Advocacy Day in North Carolina |
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| The North Carolina Chapter of NACPM is gearing up for CPM Legislative Advocacy Day. Join us as we come together to support midwifery and expand access to care across North Carolina.
Want to meet with your legislators to talk about CPM licensure? Please fill out our Legislator Meeting Form and to let us know if you need help scheduling your appointment.
Want to connect with the North Carolina Chapter of NACPM? Contact us at ncacpm@gmail.com! |
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| | | ACNM Health Policy Summit |
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| The American College of Nurse-Midwives is hosting its Health Policy Summit & Hill Day May 4-5, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
The Summit is designed to support the advancement of public policy impacting the midwifery profession and the people midwives serve. The meeting will provide midwives with an opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate the importance of proposed legislation impacting the midwifery profession, including back home at your state capital.
Hill Day allows members and midwifery supporters to engage with congressional offices to discuss their work and share their perspective on how policy impacts the work they do daily and the profession at large. ACNM Hill Day attendees will discuss the association’s federal legislative priorities during the 120th Session of Congress, including support for the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act, the Midwives for MOMS Act, the PRECEPT Nurses Act, and more. We encourage all members interested in moving the policy needle for midwifery to join us. |
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| | International Day of the Midwife2026 Virtual Event |
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| Join us on 5 May for a special virtual event celebrating the International Day of the Midwife and amplifying the global movement One Million More Midwives. This event will highlight the urgent need for an additional one million midwives worldwide to meet the sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health needs of women and gender-diverse people. |
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| Hear from midwife leaders and community advocates about how the One Million More Midwives Petition is driving change for fair pay, safe working conditions, workforce protection, and recognition of private and self-employed midwives. Be inspired by real-world advocacy stories, the official launch of the 34th ICM Triennial Congress Song, and practical guidance on how midwives and associations can use the petition to influence national and local policy.
Together, we can mobilize collective action and build momentum towards the 34th ICM Triennial Congress in Lisbon, June 2026. |
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| Association of Christian Birth Professionals2026 Conference |
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| The 2026 Association of Christian Birth Professional Conference will be held September 15-17 (Tuesday-Thursday), with a pre-conference on Monday, September 14!
Our venue is New Ebenezer Retreat Center in Rincon, Georgia, just outside Savannah. Many activities are available in the area—bring the whole family and enjoy this beautiful and historic area! The closest airport is Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, about 21 miles from our meeting location.
Meals are included in conference registration, so you can enjoy the important benefit of fellowship. Conference lodging will be at the retreat center. Main lodging will be in the private cottages, with two twin beds and a private bath for each room, but limited availability.
Bring your spouse and even your family and enjoy the beautiful area! We had a lively group of spouses at last year’s conference who had a great time together and hope to return. Family lodging is available.
Pricing and registration are available at the registration link below. Don’t miss out on discounts! Save 15% for early bird registration by May 31 with code EB2026 and 10% for ACBP current membership with code MBR2026. If you’re not a current member, consider purchasing a membership. |
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| | | VIEW OUR EVENT CALENDAR HERE. (If viewing on mobile device, hover over the gray calendar boxes.)
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT 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. |
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| | NACPM is proud to be supported by hundreds of individual donors and these visionary foundations. |
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