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  • Writer's pictureBrittany Edwards
    • Aug 10, 2023
    • 13 min read

CNMA Newsletter- August 2023


Message from the President


Dear Community,

Happy National Breastfeeding Month! This year’s celebratory theme is Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 72% of all birthing people with minor children in the United States are employed. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy shares that:

  • Workplace challenges remain the most common reason for birthing people to never breastfeed/chest feed, or stop breastfeeding/chest feeding earlier than recommended.

  • Birthing people with less than three months maternity leave report shorter breastfeeding/chest feeding durations than those with three or more months of leave.

  • A workplace needs adequate lactation facilities to become a breastfeeding-friendly workplace. Only 42 countries mandate workplace lactation facilities.

  • Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding/chest feeding addresses inequalities that stand in the way of sustainable development.

Like many midwives, I’m a busy working parent. We know the struggles of trying to balance work and family - trying to give the very best, trauma-informed, evidence-based midwifery care to our clients, while being there 100% for our own little ones. We know how critical advocacy and support can be for the nursing parents who are preparing to return to work. Pregnant at Work is an excellent resource for healthcare providers, with information on how to talk to your patients about lactation accommodation in the workplace, and even a template workplace accommodation letter. They offer a free legal hotline, as well as a wealth of information about workplace accommodation in pregnancy, including details that are specific to each state in the Union.

Now, in case advocating and supporting your own patients isn’t enough for you, I’d like to invite you to consider joining the CNMA Board of Directors. I’ve said this before, but I’m not afraid of saying it again. WE NEED YOU! Imagine yourself as President-Elect, Secretary, Northern California Representative, Central California Representative, or Representative of an Under-Represented Community. Or join one of our many committees: membership, communications, and continuing education are all recruiting!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to join our team. As always, I’m available by email at parisbury@gmail.com and by text at (805) 415-2553.

In the spirit of service and solidarity,

Paris Maloof-Bury, CNM, IBCLC

President, California Nurse-Midwives Association

 

Join the CNMA Board of Directors!

President-Elect (10/2023-10/2027)

During the first year (10/2023-10/2024), the President-Elect is mentored and supported by the current President as they learn the role and prepare to take on leadership of the board of directors (BOD) and the affiliate. Duties include:

  • Minimum 10 hour commitment per month.

  • Non-voting member of the BOD.

  • Attend virtual BOD meetings and other committee meetings throughout the month to learn about the structure and inside operations within the association.

  • Attend 2 in-person meetings annually that alternate between Northern and Southern California.

During the second and third years (10/2024-10/2026) the President’s duties include the following:

  • Minimum 20 hour commitment per month.

  • Be the face of CNMA. Be prepared to give interviews, help draft legislation and correspondence when needed, advocate for midwifery and birthing people, stay up to date on health policy issues within the association and the state.

  • Lead all BOD meetings (prepare the agenda, establish a quorum, get approval for the agenda, approve the minutes along with the secretary, make corrections, sign the minutes).

  • Voting member of the BOD.

  • Lead the CNMA Annual Meeting (present the awards, introduce speakers, recognize off going BOD members, and welcome incoming BOD members).

  • Contribute to the CNMA newsletter.

  • Attend the ACNM Annual Meeting and represent CNMA during the California Affiliate Meeting and Regional Meeting.

  • Communicate with the ACNM National Office when necessary.

During the fourth year (10/2026-10/2027), the Past President's duties include the following:

  • Minimum four hour commitment per month.

  • Non-voting member of the BOD.

  • Offer support and guidance to the sitting President.

  • Serve as a source of continuity with other groups and organizations in California who have associations with ACNM and CNMA.

  • Ensure historical context for important issues impacting CNMA and the BOD.

Secretary (10/2023-10/2026)

  • Minimum four hour commitment per month.

  • Voting member of the BOD.

  • Send out the agenda to all the BOD members 10 days before the BOD Meeting.

  • Attend and take minutes during the BOD meeting.

  • Send minutes to the President and other BOD members for corrections.

  • Get signature on minutes once the corrections have been made.

  • Send out final minutes to BOD members.

  • Store minutes on Dropbox and keep Dropbox files organized.

  • Onboard new BOD members.

  • Participate in strategic planning.

  • Facilitate CNMA’s annual election.

  • Three year term, may serve up to two consecutive terms

Northern California Representative (10/2023-10/2026)

  • Minimum two hour commitment per month.

  • Voting member of the BOD.

  • Attend monthly virtual BOD meetings.

  • Develop relationships with the members of the region.

  • Establish two-way communication with regional chapter chairs and members to update them on affiliate issues; and bring chapters’ and members’ issues, comments, needs, and requests from regional members to the BOD.

  • Should attend their own chapter meetings.

  • Help lead and organize in-district visits and advocacy efforts.

  • Stay involved and participate in events in their region as a representative of CNMA.

  • Three year term, may serve up to two consecutive terms.

Central California Representative (10/2023-10/2026)

  • Minimum two hour commitment per month.

  • Voting member of the BOD.

  • Attend monthly virtual BOD meetings.

  • Develop relationships with the members of the region.

  • Establish two-way communication with regional chapter chairs and members to update them on affiliate issues; and bring chapters’ and members’ issues, comments, needs, and requests from regional members to the BOD.

  • Should attend their own chapter meetings.

  • Help lead and organize in-district visits and advocacy efforts.

  • Stay involved and participate in events in their region as a representative of CNMA.

  • Three year term, may serve up to two consecutive terms.

Representative from Under-Represented Group (10/2023-10/2026)

  • Minimum two hour commitment per month

  • Voting member of the BOD

  • Attend monthly virtual BOD meetings.

  • Acts as liaison and represents the interests of a community under-represented in midwifery and/or on the CNMA Board

  • Three year term, may serve up to two consecutive terms

Join a CNMA Committee

Membership Chair

CNMA is dedicated to promoting midwifery and supporting midwives in California, and we need someone passionate and committed to help us recruit and retain members, manage our databases, collaborate with other committees, and engage with our chapters and members. If you're enthusiastic, organized, and want to help shape the future of midwifery in California, please reach out to our current membership chair, Emily Carter, at membership@cnma.org.

Continuing Education Committee

The CNMA Continuing Education Committee is responsible for planning and hosting the CNMA Annual Meeting and creating continuing education content that will be available throughout the year. Please consider joining this small and focused team. The work is targeted and specific, but there’s still plenty of room for creativity. Interested members, please contact jillcauley4@gmail.com.

 

Calling all BIPOC Midwifery students & recent graduates!

CNMA wants to hear from YOU. Take a moment to answer our student survey here and get a gift from us!


Help us build a community of midwives that can inspire change at the local, state, and federal levels!

Those that complete the survey will receive a $20 Amazon gift card via email within 2-3 weeks. If you have any questions about this survey, you may contact arrj@cnma.org.



 

Health Policy Updates

CNMA sponsored bills

SB 667 passed the Appropriations Committee with a 15-0 vote on July 12th! Next step is to the Assembly once the legislature reconvenes in August.

CNMA is also a co-sponsor of two abortion provider protection bills, AB 571 (Petrie-Norris) and SB 345 (Skinner). AB 571 passed the Judiciary Committee on 7/12/23 and was referred to the Appropriations Committee. SB 345 passed the Committee on Public Safety on 7/12/23 and was referred to the Appropriations Committee also. Follow these bills at cnma.org/advocacy for their current status and to see what you can do NOW!

FDA approves the first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States

On July 13, 2023, in a historic move for reproductive health that could transform contraception access, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opill, a progestin-only birth control pill (POP), for over-the-counter (OTC) use. After a comprehensive review of the data and a unanimous advisory committee vote to recommend Opill for over-the-counter status, the FDA followed the science and made a decision that will expand contraceptive access for those who face the greatest barriers to care. The United States will now join over 100 countries where birth control pills are available without a prescription. See full statement here from Ibis Reproductive Health.

 

Education, Trainings, and Webinars

CNMA 2023 Annual Meeting is almost here!

Join us for the 2023 CNMA Annual Meeting on August 26, 2023 at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles! Speakers this year include: king yaa: Queer Reproductive Care, Dr. Anna Glezer: Integrative Treatment for Reproductive Mental Health, Gabriela Grant: Care and Evaluation of the sex worker, and Ximena Rojas Garcia, CNM!

We would love to see you in person for socializing and networking, but don't forget we have a VIRTUAL OPTION AVAILABLE! So you don't have to miss any of the information! 8 CEUs offered. Get your tickets here!

Did you know that CNMA has a Racial Justice and Antiracism (RJAR) Committee? Join us the night before the Annual Meeting for a BIPOC centered HAPPY HOUR at Noe’s Bar at the OMNI Hotel August 25, 2023 from 6-9:30pm. To learn more about RJAR, visit here.


SAVE The Date: ACNM First Assist Workshops

ACNM has a full schedule of The Midwife as Surgical First Assistant (First Assist) Virtual Clinical Labs available in 2023! First Assist focuses on training midwives to participate and provide continuity of care for patients during a cesarean section.

The First Assist Virtual Clinical Labs fill up fast, so be sure to Register for the date you need NOW! The August workshop is now full!

  • Tuesday, Sept. 19 (10:00 AM EST) - Registration deadline is Monday, Sept 4, 2023.

  • Tuesday, October 17 (10:00 AM EST) - Registration deadline is Monday, Oct 2, 2023.

ACNM Wants to Listen to YOU! CEO Conversations Every Wednesday at 4 PM ET

Michelle Munroe, our interim CEO, will be starting weekly online meetings with members to listen and discuss ideas and concerns. Each week, 10 people can register for CEO Conversations. Please email executiveoffice@acnm.org.


ACNM Webinar: Excess Adiposity in Pregnant People: Implications for Physiology, Labor & Birth

September 13, 2023 at 7-8 p.m. ET. Description: Rates of excess adiposity in pregnant people continue to increase in the United States, worsening a range of outcomes. In this webinar, we will review current evidence on the pathophysiology of excess adiposity, including its influence on the uterus and cervix of the pregnant person. We will then review strategies that the midwife can adopt to optimize pregnancy outcomes in this population. Presenter: Nicole Carlson. Register Here


NOMW 2018 vs NOMW 2023: Are Pregnant People Any Better Off?

Family To Family Support Network presents their virtual learning series for Maternal Health Professionals on August 15, 2023 at 1-2:00PM EST. Description: “In 2017, I coined the hashtag #notonmywatch (NOMW) in my frustration with the increasing rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. I believed (and still believe) that nurses can change the trajectory of morbidity and mortality. Fast forward to 2023, have we ensured that pregnancy, labor and birth is safer? Are we creating respectful and sacred birthing experiences for our patients? Let's have a conversation.” Presenter: Rose L. Horton, MSM, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. 1 CNE/NCPD* Contact Hour offered. Register here.


Unplug and Recharge: Creating a Fulfilling Life Beyond Work

Join the American Nurses Association of California’s webinar on August 15, 2023 from 10-11AM. Discover the significance of work-life balance for nurses and its impact on mental health, job satisfaction, and patient care. Join our interactive session for practical techniques to overcome challenges and achieve harmony in your personal and professional life. Don't miss this opportunity to prioritize your well-being and enhance your nursing career. *1.0 CE*

RSVP here.


Conversations on Caring in Reproductive Health Nursing: Enhancing Respectful Care for LGBTQIA+ Patients: Strategies for Success

Join AWHONN on August 16, 2023 from 2-3:00PM for their fourth webinar from their Conversations on Caring in Reproductive Health Nursing series, Enhancing Respectful Care for LGBTQIA+ Patients: Strategies for Success. They will explore key principles of communication, including positive self-reflection, active listening, and respectful questioning. During this live session, Cat Dymond, MSN, CNM, and Tina Morris, MSN, RNC-EFM, will focus on how you can implement change by fostering a Just Culture and overcoming the burden of perfection. The spotlight of the webinar will guide participants through important strategies they can use to enhance respectful communication and implement compassionate questioning to improve care for LGBTQIA individuals and families. Register here.

Medi-Cal training for Doulas in CA

The Birthworkers of Color Collective (BWOOC) is hosting a Medi-Cal PAVE portal training for doulas in California on August 16 from 5:30-7:00 pm PT. At this meeting, BWOOC and Stevie Merino will talk about the requirements, the application process, and answer questions. To register, go to tinyurl.com/PAVEBWOCC.


**Race 4 Equity has provided a doula services managed care plans contact list. This list is open to the public so please share widely with doulas in your networks.


On July 13 the Institute for Medicaid Innovation (IMI) presented its eighth session titled “Operationalizing Medicaid Coverage for Perinatal Support and the Nitty Gritty of Billing” This session will examined considerations for billing and benefit design to maximize successful Medicaid reimbursement for community-based doulas and perinatal community health workers using examples from states and discussing infrastructure, systems, and process of support. You can watch the video here.


ACEs and Trauma-Informed Care in Reproductive Health: Fundamentals and Priorities in the Field

Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 12:00 - 1:00 pm- In the first webinar in a three-part series -- ACEs and Trauma-Informed Care in Reproductive Health: Fundamentals and Priorities in the Field - participants will learn about the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how a trauma-informed approach can be applied in sexual and reproductive health settings -

Led by Sara Johnson, MD, an OB/GYN and adviser to the ACEs Aware initiative, the webinar will provide a foundation of simple practice shifts and a discussion with Amanda Williams, MD, MPH, about how this work aligns with key priorities in the field, such as health equity and mental health; lessons learned from rolling out perinatal ACE screening in a large health system; and how and why she centers her own well-being while working to advance Reproductive Justice.

This activity is approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit (TM) and other continuing education credit. Register Here


Applying AIM bundles and resources to community birth settings

August 22, 2023 at 4-6:00 PM EST. The purpose of this FREE webinar is to provide community birth providers an understanding of the relevance and application of AIM structures and resources to strengthen their engagement in the healthcare system, improve response to obstetric emergencies and participate in maternal health quality improvement.

2.0 CE Offered, please Register Here

The Black Birth Equity Summit 2023

The California Black Birth Equity Summit will be held on August 28 - 29, 2023. Hosted by the California Endowment, this Summit will elevate and celebrate the numerous policy, program, research, and innovation advancements since the 2019 Black Birth Equity Summit. This year's Summit will be one of the largest gatherings of leaders and stakeholders in California dedicated to advancing Black birth equity and justice. The hybrid convening (virtual and in-person) will bring together diverse and multidisciplinary participants to raise awareness, build capacity, and implement sustainable strategies to eliminate racial inequities and mitigate their impact. The program will feature expert dynamic keynote speakers, interactive concurrent sessions, strategic planning for policies and programs impacting Black families, meaningful dialogue, and networking opportunities. In-person registration will end August 18th and virtual registration will end August 27th. Register here!

If you have any summit questions, please contact Mashariki Kudumu at mashariki@black-enterprises.com

 

Midwifery Mentoring & Belonging Program (MMB)

We are delighted to let you know that the 2023-2024 Midwifery Mentoring & Belonging (MMB) applications are now live!


Join us for a one-year mentoring and community-building opportunity, including workshops and special topics, geared to support BIPOC-identified student midwives at CSUF and UCSF. Our vision is to strengthen the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) midwifery community through the common investment in BIPOC midwifery learners academic and individual success.

  • If you identify as a BIPOC student midwife and attend UCSF or CSUF, please complete the mentee application here.

  • If you identify as a BIPOC midwife, we welcome applications from UCSF and CSUF BIPOC midwifery alumni based anywhere, or any BIPOC midwife based in California (LM and CNM). Please complete the mentor application here.

All applications are due no later than September 1, 2023 , 11:59PM PST, in order to help facilitate matches by 9/12/23.

For more information, visit our website at https://midwifementoring.ucsf.edu/. Questions? Email us at midwifementoring@ucsf.edu.

 

Scholarships

Health Care Access and Information

The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is administering the Clinical Infrastructure scholarship and loan repayment programs to expand the number and type of health care providers offering abortion-related care and reproductive health services. HCAI is pleased to announce applications open on August 1, 2023, and close on October 31, 2023, for the following programs:

Applications opened on May 15, 2023 and close on August 15, 2023:

  • Behavioral Health Scholarship Program - Eligible education programs include Licensed/Associate Clinical Social Worker, Licensed/Associate Clinical Psychologist, Licensed/Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Licensed/Associate Clinical Counselor.

Applications opened on July 17, 2023 and close on September 15, 2023:

  • California State Loan Repayment Program - Eligible professions include Certified Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Psychologist, Pharmacist, Physician, Physician Assistant.

ACNM 2023 Carrington-Hsia-Nieves Doctoral Scholarship for Midwives of Color

Amount: $5,000

Application due September 10, 2023

The ACNM Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the Carrington-Hsia-Nieves Doctoral Scholarship for Midwives of Color. This scholarship is designed for CNM/CMs of color who are enrolled in doctoral or post-doctoral education and are current members of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). The scholarship aims to encourage midwives of color to pursue doctoral education, preparing them for leadership roles in midwifery, clinical practice, and public health. In addition, recipients are expected to engage in evidence-based scholarly work focused on innovative approaches to improve maternal and child health, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity. This prestigious award is named in honor of three distinguished midwives of color: Betty Watts Carrington, CNM, PhD, FACNM; Lily Hsia, CNM, PNP, MSN, FACNM; and Nivia Nieves Fisch, CNM, FACNM. The funding for this scholarship is provided by the ACNM Foundation's Midwives of Color Scholarship Fund. Eligible midwives of color are encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline. Access the Application Form here.

 

Job Opportunities

PER DIEM CNM - Communicare Health Centers, Davis, CA.

Please join our midwifery-led, evidence-based, practice as a PER DIEM MIDWIFE. We have two open per diem positions and are looking for candidates with at least 1-2 years of experience, ideally, to help us cover multiple clinic sites in an FQHC setting in Yolo County and to cover call in a hospital-based Birth Center at Sutter Davis Hospital. New CNM graduates will be considered for clinic only per diem positions. Our practice has been recognized nationally and locally for providing great outcomes (low c/s rates, low PTB rates, high breastfeeding rates, high patient satisfaction) while serving a diverse patient population. Please consider applying to join our supportive midwifery community! To view the job description and to apply, click here!

For more information, feel free to contact Associate Perinatal Directors Cathy McGovern, CNM at cathym@communicarehc.org or Kristen Cates, CNM at kristenc@communicarehc.org, as well as HR Recruiter Mariah Baldwin at mariahb@communicarehc.org.

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE - Birth Bridges, San Francisco, CA

Birth Bridges, a San Francisco Bay Area group of community-based and hospital-based midwives, is seeking a Program Associate to forward our innovative work. Come join our team and help improve perinatal and birth outcomes for all local Bay Area communities. Please see attached job announcement for details here. Apply by September 15, 2023.

 

Medi-Cal Rx

Sign up for the Medi-Cal Rx Subscription Service to be notified when new information is posted!

See additional updates below:

 

Midwife Crush Mondays!

Do you know an amazing Midwife who is doing revolutionary work? We want to feature them on our social media platforms!


CNMA is looking for submissions for our new social media series “Midwife Crush Monday” where we highlight the stories of trailblazing midwives across the industry who are making a difference in the midwifery profession. You can even submit yourself!

Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • Midwife’s name (include pronouns)

  • Affiliated organization(s)

  • Why you became a midwife (and anything awesome you’d like to brag about)

  • Headshot/Photo if available

  • Bonus: Please include social media handles for tagging!

Please send submissions to sm@cnma.org for consideration!

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