CNM's and homebirths

tb1234 · 11-02-2006, 11:10 PM

Do they go together as well as LM's? Or did I hear somewhere that legally they can't do homebirths?

MamaBean · 11-03-2006, 01:25 AM

I don't think they can do homebirths. Mine couldn't, at least.

sumama · 11-03-2006, 07:59 AM

I think it depends on where you live. My midwife (CNM) can and does do homebirths.

Acacia · 11-03-2006, 08:57 AM

Yes they can do homebirths but most do not do them because their insurance would go to high. I know that in Indiana there are only 4 CNM that I have found that are willing to do homebirth.

teachinmamaof4 · 11-03-2006, 09:58 AM

What Susan said.

In Oklahoma, CNMs can't attend homebirths.

emmabella · 11-03-2006, 10:35 AM

CNM's are legally allowed to attend homebirths. However, insurance/medicaid does not always reimburse for this. Also, they have to have a different kind of malpractice insurance which they may not be willing to pay for.

Lindsay · 11-03-2006, 05:32 PM

It varies from state to state. In Kansas (especially in my area), CNMs do not generally attend homebirths. Legally they probably could, but it's nearly impossible for them to have the official OB backup required.

helpinghands · 11-03-2006, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acacia

Yes they can do homebirths but most do not do them because their insurance would go to high. I know that in Indiana there are only 4 CNM that I have found that are willing to do homebirth.

Hey, do you happen to have their names and their info on where they practice/attend births?

Thanks!

arwensage · 11-04-2006, 06:41 PM

CNMs can legally attend homebirths in every state. Many choose not too, many are held back by all of the regulations and need for OB back-up.
I think if a CNM is passionate enough to do homebirths, she is probably going to do a great job. I've worked with some wonderful CNMs who do homebirths. Being attended by a direct entry midwife is supposed to be illegal here, so it is a lot easier to find a homebirth CNM.

Luv2bemommy · 11-04-2006, 07:18 PM

In NC, only CNM can attend homebirths.. DEM, CPM's arent legal here yet.

teachinmamaof4 · 11-04-2006, 07:26 PM

Ok, there is too much contradiction here.

Does anyone have info stating it's legal in every state? I've tried googling it and can't come up with what I'm looking for.

Everything I've heard about OK is that they can not legally do it.

Luv2bemommy · 11-04-2006, 09:06 PM

Here is proof in NC.. I have no idea about anywhere else.

"In North Carolina a woman can legally give birth to her baby anywhere she wishes, including her home and choose whoever she wants to be with her during her birth.

At this time, there is no licensure in North Carolina for Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) or traditional midwives and they are prohibited from practicing midwifery under the current law.

Certified Nurse Midwives are approved to practice in North Carolina, but those with homebirth practices must work in conjunction with a doctor ( “back up doctor”) "

Source: http://www.nchomebirth.com/LegalStatusMidwives.html

I wonder how they would treat a CPM/DEM who uses a backup OB.. LOL Thats what my MW does and she isnt a CNM.

Luv2bemommy · 11-04-2006, 09:08 PM

Ok, take that back.. I JUST found this..

"There has been a 5% increase in the numbers of midwife-attended births in the U.S. since 1993, most of which have been with Certified Nurse-Midwives. CNMs have legal status in all 50 states and may also deliver babies at home or in freestanding birth centers, though most are employed by hospitals."

Source: http://www.support4birth.com/options.html

DL · 11-04-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teachinmamaof4

Ok, there is too much contradiction here.

Does anyone have info stating it's legal in every state? I've tried googling it and can't come up with what I'm looking for.

Everything I've heard about OK is that they can not legally do it.

You should check with the ACNM (American College of Nurse Midwives), the organization that certifies them. They would know the laws for every state.

In Ohio, CNMs can attend homebirths, and it's totally legal. As some of you know, I do reception work for a pro-homebirth CNM, but she only attends hospital births. She told me that she'd love to be able to do homebirths, but the OBs that are her backups (the only OBs in town and only ones with hospital privileges) would not support her, and her malpractice insurance would not cover homebirths. She is not willing to practice without having insurance to protect her and her family. I can surely respect that decision.

So....check with the ACNM! The link for them should be in the Alldoulas Resources section for "Midwifery Education".

sunmama · 11-04-2006, 09:25 PM

CNM's definitely do homebirths here in PA...large Amish community here. I believe ACNM website has all the listings for each state, as Lori said.