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Welcome to Women's History Month!
As we work toward making midwifery care more accessible, we are reminded of the words “with woman,” and that is especially true this month.
As our Board of Directors has been working on our strategic plan, we’ve revised our Mission Statement, created a Vision Statement, and identified our Core Values as an organization. It was important to us that these foundational documents be inclusive and reflect both who we are and who we aspire to be.
CNMA Mission Statement: With Midwives. With Communities.
CNMA Vision Statement: An equitable California where all people have access to safe, evidence-based, trauma-informed reproductive healthcare through the advancement of the midwifery profession by:
Promoting respectful healthcare that improves the health and well-being of individuals, mothers and birthing people, newborns, and families
Eradicating health disparities by challenging the practices, behaviors, and in actions that further perpetuate them
Practicing cultural humility
Acknowledging the history of white supremacy in midwifery and healthcare and its continued negative impacts by condemning racism and promoting equity
Creating a diverse midwifery workforce that meets the needs of the community with racial, ethnic, and linguistic concordance
Remaining accountable to each other, to midwives, and to the people for whom we advocate, educate, and care
CNMA Values: Equity, Community, Diversity, Accountability, Respect, Evidence-Based Practice, and Service.
In California, we’re making history as we work to re-diversify our workforce and create inclusive spaces through clinical and advocacy work. We’ve got a long way to go, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come and can’t wait to see what we do next!
As always, I’m available by email at parisbury@gmail.com and by text at (805) 415-2553.
In the spirit of service,
Paris Maloof-Bury, CNM, IBCLC
President, California Nurse-Midwives Association
California Health Policy
CNMA’s Health Policy Priorities
Reversing the 10% Medi-Cal rate reduction (put into place in 2011) for birth centers and midwifery care (other practitioners were also affected): We continue to work through the budget process on getting this rate reduction reversed. We have formed a coalition with others affected by this (audiologists, non-emergency medical transportation providers, and more), and we are optimistic that we will see a reversal of this rate reduction in this year's final Budget Act (June 2022).
Funding the Midwifery Workforce Training Act enacted last year through SB 65: We met recently with top officials at Cal HHS and they are highly supportive of funding the MWTA. A lot can change between now and the final budget, so we will continue to meet with them and the workforce workgroup at HCAI (previously OSHPD), as well as rally the support of our SB 65 coalition partners, to ensure the MWTA is in fact a specific line item in the final budget. Additionally, we are sponsoring a bill (see below) that would allow midwifery programs to apply for and receive funding through Song Brown, something we have not been eligible for in the past even though primary care physician training programs, NP, PA, and RN programs have been eligible. We hope this will allow for midwifery programs to continue to apply for midwifery education funding in the future, well beyond the lifespan of the MWTA.
Funding the community birth data collection from SB 1237: CNMA submitted a stakeholder proposal to the Senate Budget Subcommittee responsible for hearing such requests. We hope the momentum around midwifery and doula care in this year's budget will help to propel this forward as well.
Midwifery, Doula, and Nurse Practitioner Bills in the Legislature
AB 2529 (Davis/Calderon): We are sponsoring this bill! If enacted, this bill will allow midwifery programs to apply for and receive funding through the Song Brown Act. More on the Song Brown Act here. Currently the language of the bill is very basic, and will soon be amended to reflect how we envision midwives fitting into this program.
SB 1375 (Atkins): This bill would allow NPs who have completed the transition to practice requirements required for independent practice (in AB 890, passed in 2020) to perform aspiration abortion without Standardized Procedures. This would bring the abortion requirements for NPs in alignment with their current law for independent practice and would be a huge advancement for reproductive health care by NPs in California.
AB 1767 (Boerner Horvath): This bill would create a stand alone Licensed Midwifery Board for LMs in California (currently they are licensed and regulated by the Medical Board of California). This concept is in alignment with US MERA and ICM standards.
CNMA Annual Advocacy Day and Reproductive Freedom Week
SAVE THE DATE! CNMA Annual Advocacy Day to Join Forces with CCRF's Reproductive Freedom Week (April 11-15)
This year, instead of our annual lobby day, we are encouraging all midwives to flex our lobbying muscles by joining in the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom's (CCRF) annual Reproductive Freedom Week (RFW). RFW is a fun and exciting way to make a difference in shaping policies that impact reproductive health, rights, and justice in California. There will be many virtual lobbying opportunities to fit your schedule. The event is geared toward people who are new to advocacy work, and is an opportunity to build confidence and get comfortable in the lobbying sphere, while making a difference!
For over 10 years, CCRF has hosted Reproductive Freedom Day in Sacramento. In recent years, in order to increase local participation and involve those who cannot make the trip to Sacramento, they decided to shift their advocacy efforts from the Capitol to the districts. Now called "Reproductive Freedom Week," this forum allows people in all regions of California the opportunity to learn about cutting edge policy issues in the reproductive health, rights, and justice movement, and experience advocacy first hand.
CNMA has been actively involved in RFW for many years now. Participating in reproductive freedom week is so impactful. The intimate forum provides the opportunity to help our legislators and our allies to more deeply understand the midwife role. It is also a powerful opportunity to advocate for important structural changes to help benefit the people we serve and our profession. We are often the only clinicians in the lobbying space and our anecdotes and insight can be very powerful!
Mark your calendar for this year's virtual RFW, April 11-15!
CNMA will host a short advocacy webinar a few weeks before RFW, including a lobbying & policy update, as well as an orientation on RFW to help everyone get the most out of their experience. Keep an eye out for that training date!
RN Day at the Capitol
This event is for all nurses in California interested in learning about the connection between nursing and politics, policy and legislation, and how it impacts our profession in a friendly and easy-to-understand venue. The goal of this conference is to provide the tools nurses need to effectively participate in the legislative process and support the nursing agenda throughout the state of California. Strengthening the voice of nursing can and will protect and enhance the nursing profession as well as nursing's position in political and regulatory arenas. April 25 9 AM - 12:30 PM. Register here.
Call for Proposals
State University of New York Plattsburgh Virtual International Conference
The Institute for Ethics in Public Life is soliciting proposals for the presentation Reproductive Justice: Not just abortion, not just women. Presentations will be done using ZOOM technology. You have the option to present live or through a recorded session. Total amount of time allotted per presentation is 45 minutes. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Consumer-Facing Education
Every Mother Counts: Choices in Childbirth: Essential Conversations for Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond Videos
Every Mom Counts has launched the Choices in Childbirth series! This is a FREE educational hub for pregnancy, birth, and beyond–including films, worksheets, and helpful advice to guide every stage of the maternity care journey. We congratulate Every Mom Counts and all those involved in this project, like our own midwife members, Karie Stewart and Emily Yeast, and can’t wait to see the impact it has for birthing people and their families nationwide.
Education, Trainings, and Webinars
Increasing Nurses’ Participation in Legislative Policymaking (4-Part series)
Join the American Nurses Association/California and four government relations and nursing experts with nearly a century of experience to discuss recommendations from the Future of Nursing 2020-2030 Report. Leverage Public Health Expertise March 2 at 10 AM, Expertise in Health Equity March 9 at 11 AM, Nursing Expertise in Policy Reform March 23 at 10 AM, and Adequate funding for Public Health March 30 at 11 AM.
The Midwife’s Role in Helping Families with Perinatal Trauma
The Midwife's Role in Helping Families with Perinatal Trauma LIVE webinar, with presenters Lois Trezise and Kate White, will will review the role of the midwife in perinatal trauma care and outline a model of care that includes taking a trauma-sensitive history, application of autonomic nervous system responses, integration of prenatal bonding, stress management and connection with the unborn baby, understanding the impact of birth interventions on the family nervous system and what to do about it. It will also include recommendations for birth story review with families postpartum. Register here. Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 4:00 P.M. PST $14.99 Students | $24.99 Members | $24.99 Student Non-Members | $49.99 Non-Members
Advanced Doula Skills Training
SisterSong presents The Advanced Doula Skills Training course, which provides continuing education for practicing doulas supporting birthing families from marginalized communities during COVID-19. The training is designed to educate participants who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of color with fundamental knowledge associated with birth, as well as baseline health parameters to ensure safe and powerful birth experiences for all. March 4-6. Register here.
National Health Law Program 2022 Virtual Health Advocates Conference
Join us for the National Health Law Program's Virtual Health Advocates Conference. This premier online gathering brings together top health advocates, attorneys, and policymakers from across the country to discuss some of the most pressing Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, and other health policy issues and challenges that affect access to care and health equity for low-income individuals and families. Conference attendance is limited to individuals involved in health advocacy. March 14-15, $195.
Breech without Borders San Francisco Breech Workshops
Breech Without Borders will be offering breech training at 3 San Francisco locations from March 14-19. All SF workshop attendees are also invited to a special session Thursday evening: 2 hours of breech birth video analysis with Dr. Hayest (recorded for those who cannot attend live). $400 for physicians, $350 for midwives, and $300 for students/residents. Registration is limited to 4 people per group in each two hour block. Register here.
Natera Webinar #IHadAMiscarriage: Let’s help end the stigma
Jessica Zucker is a clinical psychologist specializing in reproductive and maternal mental health. Her perspective on her life’s work changed when she experienced a miscarriage at 16 weeks. In this 30-minute webinar, hear from Dr. Zucker on her experience as a psychologist and patient, critical care elements for women after loss, and the impact of miscarriage genetic testing. Tuesday or Wednesday, March 15 at 12 PM PST or March 16 at 10 AM PST. Register here.
Learn About the Life of a Claim at IRC Office Hours
Join Industry Relations Committee (IRC) members on Wednesday, March 16th at 9:00 AM PST for IRC Office Hours. IRC leaders Arden Schwenker and Lee Katherine Ayerhart will review the life of a claim to help members better understand the claims process. As always, the session will also include information about AABC tools and resources available to assist members with contracting and payment and an opportunity to brainstorm the issues members are challenged with. Registration and AABC membership are required.
Maternal Mental Health 101
This complimentary webinar is hosted by 2020 Mom and presented by Postpartum Support International. During the webinar, you will learn about the various Maternal Mental Health Disorders, the differences between them, risk factors, and treatment options. Thursday, March 17th, 10:30 am-12 noon PST. Register here.
AWHONN 2022 Convention
Join us for the 2022 AWHONN Convention at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, CO, June 25-29, as we explore how to construct methods of translating diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts into education, research, practice, and leadership globally, facilitate education that promotes choice within safe care parameters, and develop empowerment approaches that contribute to the health of women and newborns worldwide. 38.5 CEUs available. Early bird registration ends March 31.
To view previously listed educational opportunities, please visit our website at https://www.cnma.org/courses.
Scholarships and Fellowships
AWHONN Emerging Leaders Program
The call for applications to the 2022-2023 Emerging Leaders Program, which will take place from June 2022 – June 2023, is now open. AWHONN is focusing our Emerging Leaders Program on developing leaders to support our organizational commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. The Emerging Leaders Program is an intensive leadership development opportunity that offers individuals a chance to refine their leadership purpose and acumen and develop strategies to transform themselves, AWHONN, and the nursing profession. Apply by Friday, March 11, 2022.
2020 Mom Nonprofit State Policy Fellows
2020 Mom is inviting nonprofit “backbone” organization leaders with a formal position in their organization to join our next cohort of the Nonprofit State Policy Fellows program. The aim of the program is to assist these organizations in developing a foundation for state regulatory and statutory policy change to close gaps in maternal mental health in their states.
Learn more and apply by April 1.
Job Opportunities
Bay Area Maternity: Full Time CNM
Bay Area Maternity is a full scope, collaborative Midwifery Group, seeking a full time certified nurse midwife. At Bay Area Maternity (BAM) you will join a team of healthcare professionals and advocates who share your passion for helping women and families. From our Midwives, Physicians, and Medical Assistants to our financial professionals, IT, and business team – we all work together to help our BAM clients experience a level of care second to none. Full Time is 3.5 days of clinic work, and shared on-call time. To apply, please send your CV to providercareers@svmdmed.org.
Circle City Midwifery & Women’s Health Services: CNM
Circle City Midwifery & Women’s Health Services is seeking a nurse-midwife interested in a full-scope practice position in a vibrant, fast growing service in Southern California. Circle City Midwifery has regenerated Beach Cities Midwifery under new management and ownership. We promote the true midwifery model of care in a collaborative practice environment with outstanding physician and hospital support. The midwife provides care in the hospital and freestanding birth center with option for home birth. The full scope position includes office hours and shared call schedule with sufficient time to provide comprehensive care. Position start date April 1, 2022. Candidate must have current active License and Certification in California to be considered for this positio. Please email interest along with CV/resume to: B. J. Snell, PhD, CNM, FACNM bj@beachcitiesmidwifery.com.
CommuniCare Health Centers: Per Diem CNM
Please join our supportive, midwifery-led FQHC practice! We are seeking a CNM with minimum 1 year full scope midwifery work experience for our open part-time (0.7FTE) staff position and our open per diem positions to cover clinic at our 3 sites in Yolo County and call at Sutter Davis Hospital. At this time, we cannot consider new grads for these positions. We look forward to hearing from you! CommuniCare Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center providing comprehensive, patient-centered perinatal, primary care services including medical, dental, substance abuse treatment, behavioral health, and outreach services to low income, multicultural, uninsured and underinsured patients in Yolo County and the surrounding community. The midwife works as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes health educators, nutritionists, lactation consultants, social workers, midwives, physicians, nurses, and other staff. The Midwife also works in collaboration with Sutter Medical Group OB/GYNs, and Sutter Davis Hospital to provide full scope midwifery services. Services are provided at three Communicare clinic sites and Sutter Davis Hospital. Apply here, and direct any questions to Kristen Cates, CNM and Cathy McGovern, CNM, Associate Perinatal Directors at Communicare Health Centers.
Frontier Nursing University: Department Chair of Midwifery and Women’s Health
This certified nurse-midwife leader must demonstrate a commitment to FNU’s mission and values while leading a department of 60+ faculty members and 900+ nurse-midwifery students. There is a strong preference for applicants residing in central Kentucky, but remote location with the ability to do frequent travel will be considered. FNU encourages applications from underrepresented/underserved groups, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. For a full list of responsibilities and duties and to apply, visit the job posting.
UCSF/Zuckerberg San Francisco Midwifery Service- 2 CNM positions
The UCSF/Zuckerberg San Francisco General Midwifery Service and the UCSF Nurse-Midwifery Education Program are excited to announce 2 open positions (80-100% effort, each). The CNMs who join our team will primarily be in the clinical service and have the opportunity to blend this dynamic clinical practice (AP/IP/PP) with participation as a core midwifery faculty member in the School of Nursing. We ask for a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience (AP/IP) and offer mentorship to candidates whose professional goals align with education however who may not yet have experience as faculty members. Our desired start date is July 2022. We celebrate the strengths and futures of the families and students at ZSFG and UCSF and invite you to join us in upholding our collective responsibility to center equity in midwifery care and education. For review of the job description and application process, please visit https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF03802. If after this review you have questions about the positions, please contact Kara Myers at kara.myers@ucsf.edu.
To view previously listed jobs or to add an available position to the list, please visit our website at https://www.cnma.org/jobs.
Medi-Cal Rx
The Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for February is available. The monthly bulletin consists of alerts and notices posted to the Bulletins & News page on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal. Sign up for the Medi-Cal Rx Subscription Service to be notified when new information is posted. Additional information is available below:
The new Drug Use Review (DUR) article, Professional Organizations Push for Recall of Buprenorphine Dental Warning
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!
Questions? Comments? Want to get involved? Email us at info@cnma.org