Cathy C. answered • 08/21/22
Nurse with 30+ years' experience in making the complex, simple.
First, realize that there are two levels of midwifery. The first is a lay person who has training as a midwife. A lay midwife does not have any nurse training. The second level is a Certified Nurse Midwife. This person is a registered nurse who has undergone additional training as a midwife. This person has already been through nursing school and has a higher level of training than a lay midwife. Either can most likely deliver a baby safely. To my knowledge, physician practices would not hire a lay midwife.
The most significant difference is how and if you would get paid as a lay midwife. Most insurances allow for a home or birthing center birth, but only if a certified nurse midwife provides all the care. You would also need to realize that regulations can and do differ from state to state.
If you are a nurse who loves bringing new life into the world, I suggest going for extra training.
