Some say midwifery isthe world's oldest profession. You likely know what midwives do: they deliver babies. They have been doing that since the beginning of human history. Throughout the millenniums, midwifery knowledge and skills were passed down from one generation of women to the next. By contrast, today's midwives are highly trained and licensed healthcare professionals with the expertise to help women stay healthy before, during, and after pregnancy. They share a holistic philosophy of care that encourages a more natural approach to childbirth, free of medications, incisions, and other invasive procedures.

There are two basic categories for American midwives: certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and direct-entry midwives (DMs). The main difference is the level and type of training. CNMs are registered nurses (RNs) who have earned a graduate level degree in midwifery. Their nursing training allows them to provide a broad range of services. A CNM can be a primary caregiver, managing a woman's health throughout her lifespan from adolescence through menopause. In fact, CNMs only spend about 10 percent of their work time on dealing with childbirth. DMs are also highly trained, but they are not nurses. They are limited by what they can do and therefore, focus solely on the childbearing process. Learn about this exciting career today!