More About Nebraska Friends of Midwives (NFOM)
What kind of organization is NFOM?
What kinds of Midwives does NFOM support?
As an organization, NFOM works to increase awareness about midwifery, including educating consumers about the midwifery model of care and the different categories of midwives. Decisions about what legislation is pursued when and for which category of midwives are made by NFOM's consumer-based membership together with the board based on consumer interests, an analysis of relevant current and pending legislation both locally and nationally, and available NFOM resources.
Why does NFOM pursue legislation only for one credential of midwife at this time- the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), and not the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?
First, CPMs are not yet licensed in Nebraska. CNMs are already licensed; we “just” need to remove the home birth exclusion. Home birth attendance by a CNM is explicitly prohibited by statute- a remnant from a concession made in order to obtain licensing for CNMs in 1983.
Second, Nebraska ranks fifth in the nation in hospitals per capita- which can be a wonderful thing in many ways, but it does seem as if it might impede progress when it comes to advancing maternity options outside hospitals. Interestingly, during a hearing for a bill to allow CNM-attended home birth a physician against allowing CNMs to attend Nebraska's home births stated that he likes to think that Nebraska is not behind the times, but leading the way in its prohibition of midwife-attended home birth. NFOM members have come to understand that our legislators are more comfortable with the idea of CNMs than of CPMs (they are familiar with the profession of nursing), and it is easy to point to the 48 other states in which CNMs are allowed to attend home birth, including all our surrounding states.
Third, the majority of CNMs in Nebraska want to see the scope of CNM practice appropriately expanded. Any legislation introduced to license CPMs at this time would almost certainly lack the support (at least) of CNMs.
There are plenty of Nebraskans who would love to see CPMs practicing in this state, and who would be thrilled with the passage of HR 1054. A bill to license CPMs in Nebraska would probably make more headway in the future- and this federal legislation would give it a nudge.
Will NFOM someday pursue legislation for CPM licensing and regulation? Will NFOM become part of The Big Push?
NFOM is a consumer-based organization. NFOM recognizes the debate that exists between those who share the goals of The Big Push and those who do not. The legislation NFOM pursues is decided by its paid membership together with its board. In the future, members will be asked for input to help determine whether to pursue CPM legislation and/or to become a "Push State".
- It is a consumer-based, grassroots educational and advocacy group. While attorneys, midwives, medical professionals, and childbirth professionals are all welcome to join, NFOM is a consumer group, concerned with pursuing the goals of its consumer members.
- Non-profit– 501(c)(3) Education is the primary focus, and donations are tax deductible. NFOM lobbies proudly within the boundaries of the 501(c)(3) status.
What kinds of Midwives does NFOM support?
As an organization, NFOM works to increase awareness about midwifery, including educating consumers about the midwifery model of care and the different categories of midwives. Decisions about what legislation is pursued when and for which category of midwives are made by NFOM's consumer-based membership together with the board based on consumer interests, an analysis of relevant current and pending legislation both locally and nationally, and available NFOM resources.
Why does NFOM pursue legislation only for one credential of midwife at this time- the Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), and not the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?
First, CPMs are not yet licensed in Nebraska. CNMs are already licensed; we “just” need to remove the home birth exclusion. Home birth attendance by a CNM is explicitly prohibited by statute- a remnant from a concession made in order to obtain licensing for CNMs in 1983.
Second, Nebraska ranks fifth in the nation in hospitals per capita- which can be a wonderful thing in many ways, but it does seem as if it might impede progress when it comes to advancing maternity options outside hospitals. Interestingly, during a hearing for a bill to allow CNM-attended home birth a physician against allowing CNMs to attend Nebraska's home births stated that he likes to think that Nebraska is not behind the times, but leading the way in its prohibition of midwife-attended home birth. NFOM members have come to understand that our legislators are more comfortable with the idea of CNMs than of CPMs (they are familiar with the profession of nursing), and it is easy to point to the 48 other states in which CNMs are allowed to attend home birth, including all our surrounding states.
Third, the majority of CNMs in Nebraska want to see the scope of CNM practice appropriately expanded. Any legislation introduced to license CPMs at this time would almost certainly lack the support (at least) of CNMs.
There are plenty of Nebraskans who would love to see CPMs practicing in this state, and who would be thrilled with the passage of HR 1054. A bill to license CPMs in Nebraska would probably make more headway in the future- and this federal legislation would give it a nudge.
Will NFOM someday pursue legislation for CPM licensing and regulation? Will NFOM become part of The Big Push?
NFOM is a consumer-based organization. NFOM recognizes the debate that exists between those who share the goals of The Big Push and those who do not. The legislation NFOM pursues is decided by its paid membership together with its board. In the future, members will be asked for input to help determine whether to pursue CPM legislation and/or to become a "Push State".
What NFOM Does and Doesn't Do
NFOM does:
-Provide midwifery education and raise public awareness though film showings, this website, community events, presence at fairs, classes, meetings.
-Hold M&M days and legislative days at the capitol.
-Work to educate senators and staff on the subjects of midwifery care and home birth.
-Pursue legislative change by drafting legislation, seeking bill sponsors, speaking at hearings.
-Work to provide information to and connection opportunities for midwifery supporters in this state.
-Organize larger-scale events such as plays.
-Pay outside entities to accomplish legal, accounting, printing, and other tasks.
-Happily (even excitedly) accept donations.
-Partner with other organizations to advance mutually beneficial efforts.
NFOM does not:
-Provide legal or medical advice.
-Tell women where, how, or with whom they should give birth.
-Introduce legislation- that is done by senators.
-Support or campaign for political candidates.
-Charge money for events or goods (but donations are excitedly accepted!).
-Take positions on issues outside midwifery care. This includes but is not necessarily limited to refraining from stands on infant feeding, parenting styles, circumcision, vaccines, family planning, and nutrition.
-Pay any staff. NFOM is a completely volunteer organization at this time.
-Provide midwifery education and raise public awareness though film showings, this website, community events, presence at fairs, classes, meetings.
-Hold M&M days and legislative days at the capitol.
-Work to educate senators and staff on the subjects of midwifery care and home birth.
-Pursue legislative change by drafting legislation, seeking bill sponsors, speaking at hearings.
-Work to provide information to and connection opportunities for midwifery supporters in this state.
-Organize larger-scale events such as plays.
-Pay outside entities to accomplish legal, accounting, printing, and other tasks.
-Happily (even excitedly) accept donations.
-Partner with other organizations to advance mutually beneficial efforts.
NFOM does not:
-Provide legal or medical advice.
-Tell women where, how, or with whom they should give birth.
-Introduce legislation- that is done by senators.
-Support or campaign for political candidates.
-Charge money for events or goods (but donations are excitedly accepted!).
-Take positions on issues outside midwifery care. This includes but is not necessarily limited to refraining from stands on infant feeding, parenting styles, circumcision, vaccines, family planning, and nutrition.
-Pay any staff. NFOM is a completely volunteer organization at this time.
