ACNM Announces National Midwifery Week

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 07 Oct 2009 - 17:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Celebrated each October, National Midwifery Week-October 5-10-honors the dedicated certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives who offer their skills and compassion to the millions of women and families they serve. Midwives are primary care providers specializing in pregnancy, birth, and the health needs of women throughout the lifespan.

The purpose of National Midwifery Week is to raise public awareness of the value of midwifery, and to help educate the public about the vital roles CNMs and CMs play in meeting the healthcare needs of the American public. Across the nation, ACNM members will organize and coordinate community events to celebrate their achievements and to inform the public about the idwifery profession and model of care.

National Midwifery Week takes place this year at a time when our nation is searching for ways to improve access to high‐quality primary care and preventive and wellness services. Midwives are attending more births than ever and providing health care services for an increasing number of women each year aound the country-from Park Avenue in Manhattan to the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota.

"The midwifery model of care is a unique model, as it provides a personalized approach for each woman. Midwives are experts in women's health, and care for women throughout their lifespan," said Lorrie Kaplan, executive director of American College of Nurse‐Midwives. "Once I started working with a midwife during my second pregnancy, I realized I had met my ideal health care provider for life. It's exciting to see that the word is getting out."

During the week, midwives, nurses, physicians, and the families they care for will celebrate the contributions certified nurse‐midwives and certified midwives make to the health and well‐being of women.

For more information about Midwifery Week, visit our website at http://www.midwife.org/midwifery_week.cfm, and our blog, http://www.midwife.org/blog, which will provide unique perspectives about midwifery.

Source
American College of Nurse-Midwives