Midwifery in Texas & You
About Midwives in Texas
There are two types of midwives which may legally practice in the state of Texas: Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) and Licensed Midwives (LM). They may provide care in homes, birth centers, or hospitals.
Midwife means “with woman” and is a woman-centered, empowering model of maternity care. Midwives are trained professionals who focus on supporting women during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
The midwifery model of care respects pregnancy and birth as a normal, although life-changing, event. The midwifery model of care monitors the physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle, uses life-saving technological interventions only when truly needed and provides the family with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care. Every midwife must maintain current certifications in First Aid, CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation as well as participating in continuing education and peer review yearly.
To read more about the the different types of midwives and the care they provide, see the links provided here.
How You Can Help
While many families in Texas have been cared for by licensed midwives for years, it hasn't always been an easy road. At times midwifery, home birth, birth centers, and your right to choose those things have come under fire in the Texas Legislature. We believe that all families should have the freedom to select the setting and provider that best fits their healthcare needs - whether that be at home, in a birth center, or in the hospital. To continue to preserve those rights takes hard work - and we need YOUR voice!
We have compiled a list of ways that you can help promote, encourage, and increase access to midwifery care for all women in Texas.
Leave a review for your midwife on her business website and social media platforms.
Share your birth experience with friends and family.
Join consumer groups that support the midwifery model of care.
Contact your elected officials and tell them about your experience with midwives.