For Midwives

President's Message

Congratulations to the Legislative Commitee Suzanne Wertman, Chairman, Jenny Cox, Maureen Darcey, Beth Korb, Becky Yates, Tanya Bailey, Katie Calvillo, Caron Jones and our Lobbyist, Joyce Peters who have accomplished a major hurdle!

WE GOT OUR STUDY GROUP!

The Studies Act of 2010 named SB900 which has in Section 2.4 Flexibility for CNM's (SB940-Davis), The Commission is authorized to study whether CNM's should be given more flexibility in the practice of midwifery. In conducting the study, the commission may consider whether a CNM should be allowed to practice midwifery in collaboration rather than under the supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine under Article 1 of Chapter 90 of the General Statues who is actively engaged in the practice of Obstetrics.

Now that ACNM is moving CNMs towards independence, this is a beginning phase for us. In such a tight budget year, it is a miracle that we were able to get sponsored and funded for this study group. A Legislative Presentation will be held at the Chapter meeting at Lake Lure. We also are having an August 25th meeting with Joanna King, Attorney from ACNM.

Caron Jones, MSN, CNM, FNP
Chapter Chairman

Bragging Board!

Thanks to Suzanne Wertman, CNM and Pamela Irby, CNM for their contribution to Midwifery in Wilmington, NC. When their midwifery practice was closed in 2009 by their physician employers, many of the women they had served were inspired to start a grassroots organization known as "Where's my midwife?" that assisted in changing the OB/GYN policy at New Hanover Regional Hospital. The policy had formerly required an OB/GYN to be present when a CNM delivered a baby in the hospital. New Hanover Regional was the only NC hospital mandating this policy.

After many meetings with "Where is my midwife?" sponsors, the hospital met with the OB/GYN physicians, and also heard from University Hospitals at UNC and Duke. As a result, New Hanover made history in changing their policy for CNMs attending births.

See this remarkable group of consumers in action on their website www.wheresmymidwife.org and view their expressive video.

Midwives blanket Washington DC!

See photos! North Carolina midwives attending the Annual Meeting in Washington DC spent time visiting legislators and sharing the need for midwifery access for all women!

Kirsti Kreutzer and Sylvia Santabella made further national impact by presenting their experiences with Where's My Midwife? at the 55th Annual Meeting of the ACNM in Washington DC, June 2010. Read the press release about their presentation and the reception of the 1600 conference participants!

"Where’s My Midwife? captured the national attention of those involved with maternity care and women’s health during this presentation and were given offers of help in the form of fundraising, spreading the word nationwide and assistance in obtaining federal grants.  The group also sold almost 100 t-shirts in two hours.   The money raised will add to their continued fund raising efforts for the development of a woman’s wellness and birth center in Wilmington."

Suzanne Wertman, CNM, Kirsti Kreutzer, and Sylvia Santabella at the 55th Annual Meeting of the ACNM

Wendy Dotson's January 23, 2010 presentation in Wilmington reviewed how Virginia CNMs, CPMs  and consumers joined forces to change the laws regarding midwives in their state. You can see and download Wendy's PowerPoint presentation! For a version compatible with older versions of PowerPoint, click here.

Critical Issues

Essential information about issues important to NC midwives. Information posted as received-check here often!

7/10 Chapter Changes! AFFILIATE UPDATE from Tanya Bailey CNM :
 
1) Affiliate application is now pending from national office with approval anticipated in the next 3 months (see PPP info)
 
2) The NC Chapter of ACNM will now be known as the NC Affiliate of ACNM, Inc. A great summary of just what "Affiliate" Status will mean.
 
3) Proposed Bylaws for the Affiliate are posted for member review - official vote of bylaws acceptance at first Affiliate meeting
 
4) The nominating committee is accepting volunteers for the Affiliate ballot  - send email to tanyacnm@hotmail.com
   (current executive officers have option of running on the ballot for Affiliate)
 
     president - vice president - secretary - treasurer
     3 nominating committee members
     3 members at large - Board of Directors  
 
5) Ballot will be sent to members as soon as Affiliate status is approved - a vote can now be electronic as Affiliate.
 
6) First Affiliate meeting will be scheduled 30-60 days after Affiliate status approved.

3/10 Busy Legislative Committee releases member information on working with our Lobbyist. See this and more important information on the Legislative Committee page.

2/10 Legislative Committee welcomes Suzanne Wertman, CNM as new Chairman, and Jenny Cox, CNM, new member. See additional members and news on the Legislative Committee page.

10/09 Legislative Committee drafts informative document for CNMs to use when talking with physicians, administrators and midwifery colleagues. See two-page document on Legislative Committee page.

8/09 Midwifery practice in Wilmington eliminated! Read the Greater Wilmington Business Journal article. For a printable version of the article click here.

7/09 NCACNM releases Statement on Certified Professional Midwives: See here!