Home Birth in Colorado information
The decision to birth at home is a matter of choice.
Parents-to-be look at the options available to them and for some, the possibility of welcoming their baby into the world in their own home seems most appealing.
In Colorado, parents have the option of hiring a Colorado Registered Midwife to provide prenatal care to the mother, attend the birth, and oversee the health of the mother and baby for 6 weeks postpartum.
Registered Midwives in Colorado:
Some positive aspects of home birth midwifery care include:
Parents-to-be look at the options available to them and for some, the possibility of welcoming their baby into the world in their own home seems most appealing.
In Colorado, parents have the option of hiring a Colorado Registered Midwife to provide prenatal care to the mother, attend the birth, and oversee the health of the mother and baby for 6 weeks postpartum.
Registered Midwives in Colorado:
- Monitor the physical, psychological and social well being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
- Provide the mother with individualized education, counseling and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and extensive postpartum support
- Minimize technological interventions
- Identify and refer women who require obstetrical attention
Some positive aspects of home birth midwifery care include:
- Informed choice
- Parents experience a strong sense of involvement in their care
- Freedom of movement—mom chooses positions for labor and birth
- Low Cesarean section rate
- Very low episiotomy rate
- Strong support for breastfeeding
- Waterbirth option
- Referral to appropriate medical care when needed
Some well-executed, reliable studies about home birth published in reputable journals:
- Outcomes of Care for 16,924 Planned Home Births in the United States: The Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project, 2004 to 2009
- Outcomes of planned home births with certified professional midwives: large prospective study in North America
- New figures from the Netherlands on the safety of home birth
HOW TO BECOME A MIDWIFE IN COLORADO
This page has been designed to assist those who are interested in becoming a midwife.
The CMA recommends all prospective midwives try to get their hands on the book, “Paths to Becoming a Midwife: Getting an Education,” published by Midwifery Today Magazine, October 1998.
Things to consider before pursuing midwifery education:
These are a few of the critical things to consider. Midwifery is a very rewarding path, but equally as challenging. It takes most students at least two years to complete their training. Four years is more realistic—just for the training. After you complete your training, it generally takes three years to establish a practice. Midwifery is not for the weak of spirit or people who require immediate gratification!
The CMA recommends all prospective midwives try to get their hands on the book, “Paths to Becoming a Midwife: Getting an Education,” published by Midwifery Today Magazine, October 1998.
Things to consider before pursuing midwifery education:
- Do you have a family?
- If so can you leave them for 24 hours or more?
- Do you have reliable childcare that can help you anytime day or night?
- Do you have a reliable car?
- Can you devote time to gaining an extensive education without any income?
- If you have a job, can you leave work at a moment’s notice?
- Can you go for long periods (24 hours) without sleep?
- Do you handle crisis and chaos well?
- How do you feel about being on call 24 hours a day – 7 days a week?
- Are you self-disciplined AND self motivated?
- How will you get your training? The hardest part about becoming a midwife in Colorado may be finding the right preceptor.
These are a few of the critical things to consider. Midwifery is a very rewarding path, but equally as challenging. It takes most students at least two years to complete their training. Four years is more realistic—just for the training. After you complete your training, it generally takes three years to establish a practice. Midwifery is not for the weak of spirit or people who require immediate gratification!
Recommended Reading List
Related Links
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies for Midwives
Midwives Alliance of North America
North American Registry of Midwives
Midwives Education Accreditation Council
- What is the difference between a Registered Midwife and a Certified Nurse-Midwife?
- How to Become a Home Birth Midwife in Colorado
Related Links
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies for Midwives
Midwives Alliance of North America
North American Registry of Midwives
Midwives Education Accreditation Council
CMA DIRECTORS AND SUPPORTING MEMBERS
CMA is possible because of the colorado midwives that give their time to the board of directors and as supporting members
|
|
|
Colorado Midwives Association - Board of Directors
- Melissa Sexton CPM, RM, President
- Jennifer Barr, CPM, RM, Vice President
- Kattie Jones CPM, RM, Treasurer
- Natalie Baca CPM, RM, Secretary
- Julia Amend CPM, RM, BSN, RN, Conference Committee Chair
- Jennifer Dossett RM, Membership
- Samantha Venn, Student Midwife to Melissa Sexton, Website and Social Media Chair
- Althea Hrdlichka, CPM, LM, RM, Doula Trainer, Member at Large, Newsletter Chair
- Jan Lapetino CPM, RM, Member at Large, Legislative Advisor
