Setting the record straight on midwives

I am writing in response to the guest opinion (Dec. 2, Daily Bee) regarding midwives training and experience. As the president of the Idaho Midwifery Council, the state professional organization for midwives, it is my desire to correct some misconceptions and misinformation.

In 2010 the Idaho legislature passed a midwifery licensing law that requires ALL practicing midwives in Idaho to become licensed. Along with this comes well-defined educational, skill and experience requirements in addition to annual continuing education and peer review hours. We have strict scope of practice guidelines and rules regulating our profession. Our licenses are administered by the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses, the agency that administers licenses to 27 other professions. The law, the rules/regulations and all information regarding licensure and its dictates can be easily reviewed at www.ibol.idaho.gov/midwives.

If one chooses to inform themselves, they will find that the term “lay” midwife is not applicable. The dictionary definition of a “lay” practitioner is: Not of or belonging to a particular profession. By taking time to review the statute, the requirements for licensure, and the rules that guide midwifery in Idaho you will find that being a Licensed Midwife is a state acknowledged and regulated profession.

I also find things to agree with in the aforementioned guest opinion, such as

“Every couple expecting the birth of a child has the right to choose their birth process. But they should fully investigate their options, the training and expertise of their care providers, and think not only about what they want to have happen but also plan for the unexpected.”

That explains exactly the Midwives Model of Care and the importance of cooperative collaboration and Shared Decision Making. Safety of both mother and baby are always the number one consideration, regardless of place of birth or care provider.

KENDRA SCARLETT, LM

President, Idaho Midwifery Council

Bonners Ferry