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Cecilia Wachdorf, CNM, PhD, unaffiliated, 5109 Arbor Pointe Circle #107, Tampa, FL 33617-1015, 813-899-1275, ceciliamw@earthlink.net
There are two distinct types of midwives in the U.S., certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and direct-entry/licensed midwives (DEM/LMs). Although both groups follow the midwifery model of care, they are unique and professionally separate groups, and reluctant to work together. As part of a larger study comparing the underlying paradigms of health care and values of CNMs and DEM/LMs in FL, qualitative data were captured regarding participants’ perceived congruence of their beliefs about midwifery practice with their actual practice of midwifery. The midwives’ comments centered around the themes of midwifery practices, philosophy and beliefs, conflicts between beliefs and practices, constraints to practicing in accord with their beliefs, educational preparation to be a midwife, employment status, and the survey itself. Based on the results of this study, there are more similarities than differences between CNMs and DEM/LMs in Florida. Midwives practicing in hospitals had greater conflict between beliefs and practices than did home birth or birth center midwives. These results constitute a first step toward developing better communication between CNMs and DEM/LMs by acknowledging that which midwives have in common as well as what makes them unique. Improved communication will help to promote better understanding between the two groups of midwives and break down stereotypes they have of each other. This information is also useful for vocational guidance counseling. Finally, it can form a base on which to build a unified midwifery profession.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Midwifery, Providers
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.