Midwives - essential members of the healthcare workforce

SANTA FE – The state Maternal Health Program joins midwives in New Mexico and nationwide to celebrate and recognize National Midwifery Week Oct. 6-12. 

Operated by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth), the Maternal Health Program licenses and regulates midwifery practice.  

“Midwives provide care in a range of hospital and community-based settings to meet the diverse needs of New Mexican families,” said NMHealth Maternal Health Program Manager Abigail Reese, Ph.D, CNM. “This is a practice with deep roots in the cultural traditions of our state.  New Mexico midwives lead nationally recognized training models consistent with the cultural values, beliefs and practices of patients and clients.” 

This year’s theme for National Midwifery Week is “Midwives Looking to the Future,” with a focus on the essential need to grow the national midwife workforce to help reduce adverse health outcomes, especially in areas with limited healthcare care options, including rural communities.  

New Mexico is home to one of the top-ranked midwifery education programs in the United States at the University of New Mexico. New Mexico is also home to Changing Woman Initiative – a nationally renowned Indigenous-led community birth practice model created by Nicolle Arthun, MSN, CNM, RN, FACNM.  

Two types of midwives are licensed by NMHealth: 

• Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are independent practitioners educated in the disciplines of midwifery and nursing. CNMs practice in all settings, including hospitals, clinics, and other community entities.  
• Licensed Midwives (LMs) are independent practitioners educated in midwifery either through an accredited education program or a traditional apprenticeship model. LMs practice in community settings, including homes and birth centers. 

More information about midwives and National Midwifery Week can be found online at https://www.midwife.org/.

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