What Is A DEM?

Direct Entry Midwife is kind of a generic term, and really refers to any midwife who learns midwifery without first having to become a nurse (hence the "direct entry" part of the acronym and what differentiates DEMs from CNMs). Some DEMs learn by apprenticeship, some attend distance-learning or "in person" schools, and others learn by self-study. Some DEMs are very skilled and experienced...others, not so much. "Lay" midwife is kind of an archaic term for DEM—many midwives have rejected it in favor of DEM, feeling that "lay" connotes "unprofessional" or unskilled.

What Is A CPM?

A CPM is a Certified Professional Midwife (most are DEMs, although some CNMs are also CPMs) who has met the standards set by NARM for certification. Those standards can be met by formal schooling at a MEAC accredited school or by the PEP process.

Is Midwife To Be Accredited?

No, it's not MEAC accredited. It costs more then I make to get accredited and stay accredited each year. That cost would in turn be passed onto YOU. My personal mission is to educated midwives for a reasonable cost, so accreditation isn't something I plan to do at this time.

You do not have to go to an MEAC accredited school to sit for the NARM exam. You can review the NARM website to see the qualifications needed to sit for the exam. The information is listed here: The North American Registry of Midwives Eligibility Requirements

Does The Midwife To Be Program Offer Any Apprenticeships Or Hands On Experience?

It is up to each individual student to make her own way within midwifery. I set up weekend skills workshops every so often to help you achieve our skills check offs. In addition, I have taken women to other countries to get some catches. However, it is up to you individually to make contacts in the area to help get your apprenticeships. You may want to set up your own doula business to help make contacts within the local birth world. This also will give you great exposure to other doulas and midwifery students. There are also state associations in most states (even those where homebirth midwifery is illegal.) Taking the initiative to be involved and meeting others in the field will help you make the contacts necessary to help attain an apprenticeship. Finally, most of us believe in God's Plan for our lives, and He can open doors for you personally and as you seek out experiences, you will find that opportunities come available.

What If It’s Not Legal In My State? Is It Worth It?

Worth is something that each woman must determine on her own. What is your personal desire to be a midwife? Is this a calling or something you are going into for money? If it is money, you will probably find that a cost analysis compared to the risk associated with practicing in an illegal state may not be "worth it” for you. However, if this is a true calling, then you will likely find that the financial benefits are fair, but the personal benefits of midwifery are, as the MasterCard commercials say, "Priceless." Each state's laws are different, as well as the degree to which they may prosecute or leave midwives alone. Your own tolerance for risk is a big factor here and no one can answer the question above except for you. Midwives do practice illegally. Some have gone to jail. In some states, the laws are heavily enforced, while in others it is pretty much ignored. I recommend you get in touch with the midwives group in your state and speak with a midwife that practices in your state. That is really the best way to find out more about the climate in your individual state.

Is There A Time Limit?

No but it may be harder to pass the NARMS exam if you drag it out too long (if you are planning to take). Some students take MANY years training and have kids along the way, take breaks etc. The more you learn, the more midwives you work under, etc., the better Midwife you will become.

Why Is It So Inexpensive?

This course was made around being licensed. Here in S.C. and the needs of the local student. I also wanted to make it not to expensive to give Midwifery training a try, so if you do drop out you aren’t out a lot of money. Books can be resold etc. A lot of ladies are stay at home Moms, home schooling, etc and this is a practical way to get back in school for many.

What Books Do I Get First?

Books to Buy (Required)

Understanding Diagnostics Test in the Childbearing Year by Anne Frye
Birthsong Midwifery workbook by Daphne Singtree
Practical Skills Guide for Midwifery NARMS
Midwifery (latest ed if possible) By Varney (not mini book)
Midwifery workbook to above By Fahey (study questions)
Maternal & Newborn Nursing 7 ed. By Olds & London
Holistic Midwifery Volume 1 by Frye

You may want to get others on the reading list too. Check the local Library and with other local students to borrow books to get started.

How Do I Get Skills Hours In?

Anyway you can. ..Some ideas are practicing skills, doula work, watching/helping at births/prenatals, childbirth classes, study groups, volunteer at pregnancy center etc. The study time will be easier and more interesting as you get contact with real pregnant ladies.

How Do I Find A Midwife To Work With?

First of all, it’s better to get going with the course so you can learn some basic information. Plus, you will be proving to the Midwife you are asking that you are serious about training in a course. Each situation will be different.

Do an online Midwife search, ask around, check breastfeeding groups, health food stores, Chiropractors or ask other homebirth moms. Check with CNMs who work in a hospital to see if you can sit in on prenatal days. Maybe even ask a local Doctor who is Midwife friendly if you can come in as a student/volunteer. There are also many opportunities along the way to go to birth centers/projects for a season to get births in. (Texas is a popular place on Mexican boarder)

Just remember many Midwives have been “burned out” training students so it’s a privilege getting to go to births and training under a (usually) busy Midwife. Make her work easier not harder. Show up for births, prenatals etc. on time. Dress neatly and appropriately for your area. Don’t argue or contradict a Midwife in front of clients. Remember it’s HER practice and you are there to learn. You are also representing her. If on call for a birth, be on call! Clean up after births, help with paperwork, find out how to be a blessing, serve her, and her clients, and you will learn.

What Do I Send In For Each Unit?

1. Pick any two books from list, read and do reports, send copy of reports
2. Pick one project, document time spent on project
3. Read all required reading on top of Unit sheet; document time spent
4. Do any clinical things you can and document time spent
5. Photocopy unit sheet and send in with copy of book reports and money for next unit
6. Tests will be on the two books you picked to read, not on required reading.