Midwife Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Pregnancy is a complicated life event that can be exciting, joyous, scary, and overwhelming. Skilled health care services are essential for pregnant women. You need a professional to guide you through the pregnancy, birth, and prenatal period. Many woman consider using a midwife to provide this care.

  
  

  If you're considering hiring a midwife, you probably have a lot of questions about what they do, how they can help you, and what type of education they have. Here, you'll find the answers to these and other common questions.
  
  

• What is a midwife?

  A midwife supports a woman throughout her pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and postpartum. Certified nurse midwives may also deliver the baby. They typically help women have a more natural pregnancy and childbirth experience. Midwives may also provide other female-centric healthcare services, such as family planning and routine gynecological care.
  

• How long does it take to become a midwife?

  Certified midwives must receive training that’s approved by the North American Registry of Midwives. NARM programs typically take about three years to complete. Candidates seeking higher levels of certification may opt to first earn a bachelor’s degree, which takes three to four years.

• What kind of education does it take to become a midwife?

  Certified midwives receive training or formal education. The levels of education vary, impacting the type of certification they can attain. There are certified nurse-midwives, certified non-nurse midwives, and certified professional midwives. All certifications require basic training. A bachelor’s degree is required for higher levels, along with midwifery education programs.

• How much does a midwife cost?

  The flat-rate fees commonly charged for midwife services differ depending upon where you live. However, service packages typically range in cost from $3,000 to $9,000. The fee includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and post-natal care.

• What is the difference between a midwife and doula?

  Doulas focus mainly on the mother and her needs to enhance the birthing experience. They provide comfort and emotional support during labor. However, doulas don’t deliver babies. Midwives are healthcare professionals who offer a wider range of services, including gynecological exams. They're also trained to deliver babies.

• Can a midwife deliver a baby?

  Certified midwives are qualified to deliver babies vaginally. They undergo training and receive education for this purpose, among other related skills training. Healthy moms with low-risk pregnancies are suitable candidates for midwife services. Midwives can't perform cesarean section deliveries.