Types of Midwives
There are 3 types of midwives who can legally practice in the State of Utah.
Understanding the differences can help you choose the level of training, licensure, and medical support that feels right for you.
At Birthing Your Way, care is directed by credentialed midwives holding and working towards LDEM certifications.
CPM or DEM
Certified Professional Midwife or
Direct Entry Midwife
In Utah, the term “midwife” itself is not restricted, meaning someone may call themselves a midwife whether or not they hold formal certification. Some midwives in this category hold the Certified Professional Midwife credential through the North American Registry of Midwives, while others may not.
Training, experience, and scope of practice can vary widely in this group, so it is important for families to ask about education, credentials, experience, and emergency training when choosing a provider.
Midwives in this category may carry oxygen but are generally not licensed to carry or administer prescription medications.
LDEM
Licensed Direct Entry Midwife
A Licensed Direct Entry Midwife is a midwife who has completed formal midwifery training, holds the Certified Professional Midwife credential through the North American Registry of Midwives, and is licensed by the State of Utah.
LDEMs practice independently and are not supervised by a physician. Their license allows them to carry and administer certain medications, including oxygen, local anesthetic for perineal repair, Rh immune globulin for Rh negative mothers, medications for postpartum hemorrhage, vitamin K for newborns, and antibiotic eye ointment for newborns. With physician collaboration, they may also be able to administer IV fluids, additional hemorrhage medications, and certain antibiotics when clinically appropriate.
CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife
A Certified Nurse Midwife is a registered nurse who has completed graduate level training in midwifery and is nationally certified. CNMs typically practice in hospitals or medical clinics, and their scope includes prescribing medications and managing a broader range of medical conditions.
CNMs are able to provide midwifery care within a medical model and have access to hospital based resources and medications.
Important Note About Medications and Birth Setting
Birthing in a birth center setting may limit access to certain medications and medical interventions. The medications and treatments available to you are determined by the type of license your midwife holds and the setting in which you give birth.
If having access to medications such as those used to treat postpartum hemorrhage is important to you, you will want to choose a Licensed Midwife (LDEM) or a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).