June 2025 Newsletter - Education, Frameworks, and The Future of CPMs

Education, Frameworks, and the Future of CPMs

͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

The Midwife as Student: Embracing Lifelong Learning by Vicki Penwell, PhD “Credentials given to a servant-leader are used to create less privilege and more capacity to serve.” ~ Dr. Brad Smith, Chancellor I thought of this quote I read the other day when NACPM wrote to congratulate me on earning a doctorate degree, then asked if I would write on the subject of a midwife’s continuing education for the NACPM newsletter on Education & Professional Development. So here I am, freshly graduated with a “terminal degree”, thinking of how I could serve my fellow midwives with this article. Higher education may have expanded my brain and stoked my creativity, but it’s always going to be about how to serve people better – that is what has the power to enlarge hearts as well as minds, and change outcomes. My own educational path has been non-traditional, starting with grade school in a one-room log cabin schoolhouse on a remote ranch, and culminating in two master’s degrees (in Midwifery and Intercultural Studies) and this spring, a doctorate in Creative Leadership. All my higher education was earned in distance learning settings while I was practicing midwifery and running our international nonprofit, including the writing of my dissertation in the Philippines last year about our midwifery and first 1,000 days program. Lifelong education is essential for midwives who wish to serve their communities with excellence and integrity. The world of midwifery is always evolving, with new research, emerging trends, and updated best practices. Staying current through continuing education courses and earning advanced degrees allows midwives to sharpen our clinical judgment, grow our confidence, and broaden our perspective. Ongoing learning increases our potential to develop wisdom and a more holistic outlook —traits that serve us well in high-stakes moments. We know that midwives are more than just birth attendants—we are educators, advocates, counselors, and leaders in our communities as well. As such, the most effective midwives intentionally continue to learn throughout their careers, developing skills in leadership, communication, cultural humility, and emotional intelligence. Ongoing education isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about formation. I challenge every midwife we graduate to make a lifetime commitment to learning. One easy place to begin is by choosing creative continuing education. Together with our diverse team, I’ve developed more than a dozen online CEU courses through Mercy In Action College of Midwifery—all MEAC-accredited—and we also host hands-on global health seminars in far-reaching locations. It has been an honor to write letters of recommendation for many of our alumni who’ve gone on to pursue graduate degrees in midwifery, maternal/child health systems, public health, and advanced nursing. I also encourage studying complementary fields such as leadership, business, anthropology and sociology, or ministry. Midwifery is both a service vocation and a creative space; lifelong learning is time invested in offering wholehearted care to those we are called to serve. Vicki Penwell is the founder and Executive Director of Mercy In Action. She divides her time between living in the Philippines and the USA while training midwives through their MEAC-accredited Mercy In Action College of Midwifery Bachelor of Science degree, the Mercy In Action Diploma in International Midwifery & Maternal/Child Health program, and numerous seminars and workshops she teaches worldwide. View Mercy In Action College of Midwifery’s online continuing education courses. View Mercy In Action College of Midwifery’s Hands on Seminars THANK YOU TO OUR MAY NEWSLETTER SPONSOR, PRECIOUS ARROWS Precious Arrows is a woman-owned business that has served midwives and their clients for over 20 years. What began as a home-based venture has grown into a trusted provider of midwifery supplies, offering a wide range of products with a focus on affordability and customer service. Founded by Kelley O’Briant, a former doula and midwife’s assistant, the company draws inspiration from a deep sense of purpose and care for growing families. Her personal experience in birth work continues to shape the way Precious Arrows supports the midwifery community through both heart and business. Learn more at Preciousarrows.com Building the Future of Midwifery: The Power of Participation The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) introduced its Professional Framework for Midwifery in 2009. That original framework was structured around Three Core Pillars: Education, Regulation, and Association. It also introduced two supporting elements to the framework, research and the essential competencies for midwifery practice. While foundational, this version did not fully capture the depth, context, or evolving needs of the midwifery profession. ICM refined and significantly expanded this framework in 2021, reaffirming the revisions in 2025. As ICM explains, “The elements of the Professional Framework for Midwifery are deeply interwoven and entirely interdependent. This means that by strengthening one we can strengthen all others, just as destabilizing one destabilizes all.” At the heart of the updated framework are the Midwifery Philosophy and Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice bolstered by 6 core elements that strengthen and sustain it: Education Regulation Association Research Continuity of Midwife Care Model of Practice Leadership This entire system is held in an environment for midwives “..that supports the infrastructure, profession, and system-level integration needed… to effectively practise to their full scope…”  and is grounded in a strong commitment to gender equality and the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. While the ICM framework provides clear, foundational guidelines for countries around the world, it also allows flexibility for each nation to adapt those guidelines to meet their unique needs and circumstances. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs): A Distinct Framework Strong relationships among the three pillar organizations—NARM, MEAC, and NACPM—are essential to creating an aligned, accountable, and responsive ecosystem. Together with CPMs, this ecosystem helps define, uphold, and evolve the credential. As a distinct practice of midwifery, CPMs operate within a framework designed to reflect their unique role and approach to care. The CPM profession is guided by a set of core values called the CPM Philosophy, that shape how midwives work and interact with their clients. The CPM Philosophy informs everything midwives do and is what makes our approach to care different from other types of midwifery. Several other key documents, The Principles of Practice, Statement of Values and Ethics, and Standards for Practice, act as guiding principles for CPMs and influence every aspect of the profession and the model of care CPMs provide. The CPM scope of practice exists at two levels: The entry-level scope, established by NARM, outlines the minimum standard of care all states should support. The full scope of the credential defines the broader boundaries of CPM practice and provides room for professional growth, individualized provider development, and flexibility in regulatory and legislative adaptation. Why Participation Matters   Active participation in national midwifery organizations is essential to strengthening the CPM profession and shaping its future. When CPMs engage as thought leaders, support pillar organizations, contribute data through surveys, volunteer as MEAC IRB and ARC experts, and become members of  NACPM and NARM, they play a vital role in shaping the CPM credential, growing the workforce, and expanding the profession’s knowledge. These efforts help drive policy change, expand access to care, and secure funding for midwifery education and services. Invitation to CPMS and Stakeholders The CPM framework is a dynamic, living set of documents that define the profession’s governing principles, philosophy, ethics, competencies, and standards. These materials are periodically developed and revised by the professional association, certifying agency, and accrediting body. For these updates to reflect current practice, it is critical that CPMs and stakeholders contribute their time and expertise, by participating in data collection, job analyses, public comments on accreditation decisions, and voting on professional association core documents. This work can’t move forward without you. Click below to review the documents and share your feedback—your voice helps shape the future of our profession. CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS DOCUMENTS Volunteer Opportunity: Help Us Map U.S. Midwifery Restrictions  NACPM is organizing state licensure data to better understand how Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) are restricted across the U.S.—and we need your help! This volunteer project involves reviewing clinical conditions from state regulations and using a simple dropdown menu to assign them to standardized general categories. Your contributions will help us: Identify patterns across states Create powerful visualizations Support clearer, more effective advocacy Strengthen policy efforts for full-scope CPM practice The task is straightforward, flexible, and meaningful. You can jump in at any time—no prior experience needed. Full instructions are included in the spreadsheet, and volunteers will be credited for their contributions. Sign up by adding your name and email address to the Volunteer tab here: State Scope Restrictions Collaborative Project Let’s work together to build the tools we need to advocate for midwifery without restriction! We’re excited to announce that the Midwives’ Association of Washington State (MAWS) has joined NACPM as our newest Partner Organization! MAWS is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of birthing people and families by advancing the midwifery profession across Washington State. Through advocacy, professional development, and community-based action, MAWS supports midwives while working toward reproductive justice, expanded access to care, and equitable health outcomes. Their vision is bold and inspiring: to establish midwifery as the highest standard of care for all healthy people during the childbearing cycle and throughout reproductive healthcare. MAWS’s long-standing commitment to advocacy and reproductive justice makes them a powerful addition to our national movement. Together, we are building a stronger, more unified voice for Certified Professional Midwives—one that uplifts midwives, improves care, and centers the needs of our communities. Welcome, MAWS! We’re honored to be in partnership with you. Organizing in Arkansas: Building Connections and Laying Foundations Momentum is growing in Arkansas, where midwives and supporters are meeting monthly to identify and address the needs of midwives and the families they serve. The group is in the process of establishing foundational infrastructure, including opening a bank account, and is planning to hold quarterly peer reviews to support professional collaboration and accountability. NACPM is honored to support Arkansas midwives as they strengthen their network and explore opportunities to grow their presence and impact in the state. Stay tuned for more as this dedicated group continues to build power and community from the ground up! Georgia Builds Bridges: Free Midwifery Skills Day Strengthens Community and Advocacy NACPM Georgia recently hosted a successful Midwifery Skills Day, bringing together students and midwives from across all pathways—including traditional midwifery, Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). Held at the Atlanta Birth Center, which generously offered space free of charge, the event created powerful connections between community-based and hospital-based providers. In addition to fostering collaboration and professional growth through hands-on practice and shared learning, the event doubled as a fundraiser—with T-shirts and other items sold to help cover lobbying fees for state-level legislative work. A win-win for midwifery in Georgia! NACPM Georgia is proud to continue offering these skills days free of charge as part of their commitment to increasing professionalism, access, and unity across the midwifery community. Stay tuned as Georgia continues to lead with connection, education, and advocacy! In response to conversations during our Midwifery Student Social Hour and the consistent call from students for reliable, accessible clinical opportunities, NACPM is proud to launch the NACPM Preceptor Directory—a national, opt-in resource designed to connect student midwives with midwives who are open to serving as preceptors. This innovative directory builds on the visionary idea first championed by Claudia Booker, whose legacy of mentorship continues to shape the profession. The first iteration of this tool was developed at the National College of Midwifery by Cassaundra Jah and is now being elevated to the national stage through NACPM’s platform and student engagement initiatives. Midwives who are open to serving as preceptors can easily share their information via a simple Google Form. The directory will then be made available exclusively to student members through a secure, password-protected page on our website. This is a vital step toward strengthening mentorship pathways, building relationships across generations, and supporting the education of the next wave of Certified Professional Midwives. Student members will be able to browse the directory and connect directly with preceptors whose backgrounds and interests align with their learning goals. This project is part of our broader commitment to expand access to midwifery education, deepen community connection, and build a stronger, more supported CPM workforce. If you have any questions please reach out to our Operations and Engagement manager, Abriah at membership@nacpm.org. July Auction Item: Yoni Portal-Stained Glass This month’s auction features a stunning stained glass art piece honoring the sacred passage through which life begins. Crafted by artisan, mother, and student midwife Oniana Jahmora, this 10–12” piece radiates reverence, healing, and ancestral remembrance. A chain at the top allows for easy hanging, making it perfect for any space of reflection or celebration. Oniana’s work explores the deep connection between nature, birth, and divine balance. Inspired by the spiritual rhythms of motherhood and the wisdom of the natural world, her art invites us into a space of sacred partnership and transformation. Proceeds from this auction support NACPM’s ongoing work to uplift midwifery, expand access to care, and strengthen the Certified Professional Midwife profession. Place your Bid Now Support the Byllye Avery Endowed Professorship—Only $25K to Go! CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy is just $25,000 away from fully funding the Byllye Avery Sexual and Reproductive Justice Endowed Professorship—the first in the nation focused on advancing a justice-based sexual and reproductive health curriculum. This historic initiative will shape the next generation of public health leaders and honor Byllye Avery’s powerful legacy. Help spread the word and consider donating: Support the Byllye Avery Endowed Professorship Visit the Research and Current Events Page We invite you to take the Birth by Birth Pledge—a commitment to support NACPM’s legislative and advocacy work with a donation of just $10 for every birth you attend this year. Whether you’ve attended five births or fifty, your work has ripple effects beyond the birth room. Every pledge fuels campaigns that expand access, protect your right to practice, and ensure midwives have a voice in shaping the future of care. Take the Pledge. Support the Movement. Birth by Birth. Take the Birth by Birth Pledge Now 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 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! EXPLORE NACPM’S RESEARCH AND CURRENT EVENTS PAGE If you come across relevant research or news you'd like to share, we’d appreciate hearing from you. Please send suggestions to communications@nacpm.org. NACPM is proud to be supported by hundreds of individual donors and these visionary foundations. © 2025 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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