**Episode Overview** This episode explores new survey research revealing that nearly all Americans are unaware that midwives provide care far beyond pregnancy and birth. We break down what certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are trained to do, why the public gets this so wrong, and how this misunderstanding affects access to safe, cost‑effective reproductive and gynecologic health care—especially as the U.S. prepares for a projected OB‑GYN shortage over the next 5–10 years. You’ll be guided through simple reflection and action steps: 1. Write down the key information you learned. 2. Identify one part of your life where this matters right now. 3. Take one small action this week to apply what you learned. --- ## Key Points Discussed - **What the survey reveals** - Most Americans still believe midwives only attend births or “catch babies.” - Very few respondents knew that midwives provide full-spectrum care across the reproductive lifespan. - Why this knowledge gap persists, despite decades of research and expanding midwifery education. - **Who certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are** - CNMs are advanced-practice registered nurses with graduate-level education. - They’re licensed, nationally certified providers who can practice in hospitals, birth centers, and community settings (scope varies by state). - How CNMs collaborate with OB‑GYNs and other specialists when higher-risk care is needed. - **The full scope of midwifery care** We walk through common services CNMs can provide, including: - Contraceptive counseling and prescriptions - STI screening and treatment - Routine gynecologic care (annual well-person visits, Pap tests, breast exams) - Preconception and fertility-related counseling - Prenatal care, labor and birth care - Postpartum support, including physical and mental health follow-up - Perimenopause and menopausal care - **Why this matters now** - The U.S. is facing a projected shortage of OB‑GYN physicians in the next 5–10 years. - Midwifery care is supported by evidence as safe, patient-centered, and often more cost‑effective. - Under‑utilizing midwives because of public misconceptions worsens access problems, especially in rural and underserved communities. - **Common misconceptions addressed** We clarify myths such as: - “Midwives only work at home births.” - “Midwives aren’t real medical professionals.” - “You can only see a midwife if you’re already pregnant.” - “Midwives can’t provide contraception or routine gynecology.” - “Midwifery care isn’t safe in modern healthcare systems.” - **Analogies to understand midwives’ role** - Comparing CNMs to nurse practitioners or physician assistants in other specialties—highly trained, collaborative clinicians. - Thinking of midwives as your primary care provider for reproductive and gynecologic health, not just pregnancy. - How midwives fit into a team-based model of care alongside OB‑GYNs, family medicine, and specialists. - **Your reflection + action steps** - **Write it down:** Spend a few minutes after the episode listing 3–5 key things you learned about what midwives actually do. - **Make it personal:** Identify one specific way this knowledge applies to you right now (e.g., upcoming annual exam, contraception questions, planning pregnancy, perimenopause symptoms). - **Take a tiny action:** Choose one small step to take this week—such as looking up CNMs in your area, checking whether your clinic employs midwives, updating how you talk about midwives with friends or family, or bringing questions to your next appointment. --- ## Resources Mentioned *(Add or edit based on what you referenced in the actual episode.)* - Professional organizations for midwifery care: - American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM): https://www.midwife.org - Provider directories and clinic finders: - ACNM “Find a Midwife” tool: https://www.midwife.org/find-a-midwife - Information on OB‑GYN workforce shortages (for context): - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): https://www.acog.org --- ## Further Reading & Listening - Overview of certified nurse-midwives and scope of practice (ACNM): https://www.midwife.org/our-work - Evidence on safety and outcomes of midwifery-led care (ACNM resources & position statements): https://www.midwife.org/position-statements - Background on maternity care deserts and access challenges in the U.S.: March of Dimes Maternity Care Deserts Report: https://www.marchofdimes.org *(Note: Always check what’s actually mentioned in your episode and adjust links accordingly.)* --- ## How to Support the Show - Share this episode with someone who still thinks midwives “just deliver babies.” - Leave a rating and review so more people can discover accurate information about midwifery care. - Send us your questions or experiences with midwives for a chance to be featured in a future episode.