Midwives are the traditional care providers for mothers and infants. Midwives are trained professionals with expertise and skills in supporting women to maintain healthy pregnancies and have optimal births and recoveries during the postpartum period. Midwives provide women with individualized care uniquely suited to their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs.

There are two types of midwives that may legally practice in the state of Texas: Licensed Midwives (LM) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM). Some LMs may also be Certified Professional Midwives (CPM).

Licensed Midwives are skilled professionals in normal pregnancy and childbirth. They may independently manage women’s health care services relating to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They also provide normal newborn care for up to six weeks of age. Licensed Midwives attend women in out of hospital births.

Certified Professional Midwives are knowledgeable, skilled and professional independent midwifery practitioners who have met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and are qualified to provide the Midwifery Model of Care.