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  • Writer's pictureBrittany Edwards
    • Sep 6, 2022
    • 17 min read

CNMA Newsletter - September 2022
















Message from the President

Hello fellow midwives, student midwives, aspiring midwives, and midwife supporters!


This month’s newsletter has so much good information that I hope you’ll take the time to check out. We have updates from the California Prenatal Screening Program, huge wins in health policy, tons of educational opportunities, and lots of opportunities to volunteer. We also have some new resources for you to share with your patients. You’ll find details below on the upcoming CNMA Annual Meeting and on the Pre-Meeting Abortion Workshop, too! Finally, please take some time to vote; the CNMA annual election is happening now, and we have a diverse and talented slate of midwives running to serve and to lead our organization–I am honored and humbled to be among them.


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 and Professional Practice

We are finally at the end of the Legislative session for 2021-2022! By the time you read this, the session will be officially over! As most of you know, the California legislative calendar runs for two years. CNMA, along with our coalition partners, have scored huge wins in the 2021-2022 session, including:

  • The SB 65 Momnibus Act (Skinner) in 2021 that established the Midwifery Workforce Training Act (among other improvements in maternity care policy)

  • And the Budget Act of 2022 which funded the aforementioned Midwifery Workforce Training Act of 2021 and allows midwifery education programs (both LM and CNM) to apply for funding under California's Song Brown Act, and removes the 10% Medi-Cal rate reduction for birth centers and midwifery professional service.

  • The entire package of bills created by the California Future of Abortion Council (FAB Council) has passed through the Legislature! This includes, AB 1918 which improves and expands the reproductive health care education pipeline by creating a California Reproductive Service Corps, and SB 1375, which removes standardized procedures for both CNMs and NPs performing aspiration abortion. We now await the governor’s signature (which must happen by the end of September). CNMA is a proud member of the FAB Council, and look forward to sharing in this important work again next year.

Join us at the CNMA Annual meeting in November for a full Health Policy Round-Up.


Do you have suggestions for our legislative actions next year? Let us know at advocacy@cnma.org


National Health Policy: ACNM Off the Hill Advocacy Week

This September will be our 12th Off the Hill Advocacy Week! Three times a year, coinciding with Georgetown's On the Hill day, midwives and midwifery students organize visits to the local offices of their federal legislators. These efforts empower midwives and student midwives around the country to be politically savvy through advocacy skills and allow them to lead in policy and politics.

This Off the Hill Week, we are so excited to be advocating for the Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMs) Act, a bill that would secure permanent funding for midwifery education (CNM, CM and CPM) programs.

As appointments cannot be made in person, we encourage you to reach out to your Member of Congress’ office and ask to set up a zoom meeting.

The issue of provider shortages and the need to build up the midwifery and healthcare workforce is especially important now. Now is the time to make some noise for this bill!

  • Check out these links to find your Representative and your Senators.

  • Encourage other midwives and student midwives from your affiliate or school to go with you! There's power in numbers and it makes it a lot less intimidating to have others with you. Zoom makes it especially easy to meet even if you are not all together!

  • To sign up to participate in Off the Hill Week please fill out this spreadsheet with your name and email and information about your visit.

  • Check out our meeting “How to Guide/Talking Points” for all the information you need for your visit!

The Off the Hill Prep Folder contains videos, talking points, and much more to prepare for your visit including a pre-recorded zoom session with information on the bill and a Mock Visit. Check it out! Please note that bill information will be updated as things change. Learn more here!

 

Events

Survey of California Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives!

The 2022 California Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives survey is underway, and 4,000 nurses have been invited to participate. If you received an invitation, we encourage you to complete the survey! You may complete the survey online or fill out the paper survey that was mailed to you. This research is being conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, with support from the California Health Care Foundation and an advisory board made up of California’s nurse practitioner and nurse midwifery leaders. We want to hear about your practice, and your opinions about important regulatory matters, and other critical workforce issues. The information you provide will help guide public policy and planning for California’s future health care needs!

Spring Fertility’s 1st Annual Nurse-Midwife Open House

Please join us for Spring Fertility's 1st Annual Nurse Midwife Open House, held virtually September 21st! Medical Director, Dr. Monica Pasternak will present on Fertility Counseling & Updates on Preconception Genetic Screening. Following the presentation, we’ll have plenty of time for Q&A, and we look forward to a robust open discussion. Because we know it’s not the same as gathering in person, we’ll also send each individual a special swag bag created just for you to enjoy during this special event. So please be sure to register here so we have ample time to get this to you. You can learn more about Spring Fertility and our approach to patient care here.​​​”

 

California Prenatal Screening Program

On September 19th, The California Prenatal Screening (PNS) Program is moving from an integrated biochemical screening to two types of screening: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from 10 weeks until term, and MSAFP from 15-21 weeks. Screening for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) and Nuchal Translucency ultrasound will no longer be included as part of the PNS program. Midwives will all be able to access the portal directly and place their own orders. A special webinar outlining the PNS program changes and including a Q&A with midwives is available here.

Below are some of the important web pages to guide you in the new process:

Some of our primary educational materials are completed and posted on our website, including:

 

Volunteer Opportunities

CNMA Reproductive Justice Anti-Racism Committee

California Nurse-Midwives Associate (CNMA) is recruiting members to join the CNMA

Reproductive Justice - Anti-Racism Committee. The aim of this committee is to diversify the midwifery workforce and CNMA leadership, work towards an organization composed of leaders with strong anti-racism skill sets, address racism-based disparities and injustices in sexual and reproductive health care, and promote access to anti-racist training and education for all California midwives. If you are interested in joining the group and you identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or Person of Color (BIPOC), please click here. If you identify as a white person and are interested in joining this group, please click here. Learn more about this call for new members here.

Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education

The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) seeks a dedicated, passionate professional to serve on the ACME Board of Review (BOR). This is an unmatched volunteer opportunity that places dedicated, passionate professionals front and center in discussions and decision-making that lead to the best in midwifery education. BOR members provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance over the accreditation process. The BOR evaluates midwifery education programs for the purpose of granting pre/accreditation, monitors accredited programs to ensure continued compliance with ACME criteria; and as needed, reviews Mandatory Progress Reports (MPRs) from midwifery programs. Qualifications:

  • CNM/CM member: active or associate member

  • Minimum of a master's degree

  • Five years of midwifery practice or education experience

  • Familiarity with the accreditation process

  • Familiarity with digital communication and workflow technologies such as Dropbox, Zoom, Google Docs, etc.

  • Commitment to attend meetings and join conference calls as necessary

Please submit your CV, letter of interest/cover letter, and two letters of recommendation (letters of recommendation may not be from ACMEN volunteers) to Angela Smith, ACME Executive Director at acme@acnm.org by October 12, 2022.

Postpartum Support International Support Coordinators

Call for support coordinators! PSI Support Coordinators are volunteers who help parents find treatment options (support groups, therapists, psychiatrists, etc.) in their area. Many locations are in need of support coordinators, specifically fathers and parents that have experienced perinatal loss. If you are interested in volunteering as a support coordinator, email coordinators@postpartum.net.

 

Resources for Patients

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is Now 988

On July 16th, the U.S. officially transitioned from the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988. This easy-to-remember number provides 24/7 crisis care supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In 2021, the Lifeline received 3.6 million calls, chats, and texts. That number is expected to at least double within the first full year after the 988 transition. Suicide is one of the leading causes of maternal death and this resource, along with the Maternal Mental Health Hotline, is a crucial service for birthing people. Learn more. “988 is more than a number, it is a message: we’re there for you. Through this and other actions, we are treating mental health as a priority and putting crisis care in reach for more Americans." - HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

The new National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support, resources and referrals to any pregnant and postpartum mothers facing mental health challenges and their loved ones. The service is available via phone and text in English or Spanish. Call or text, 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) to connect with counselors at the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. In fact, many women feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious at different times during their pregnancy and even after the baby is born. For many women, these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions are more serious and may stay for months.

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline’s counselors provide real-time emotional support, encouragement, information, and referrals. Pregnant and postpartum women can get the help and resources they need, when they need it. Are you a new parent and feeling sad, worried, overwhelmed, or concerned that you aren’t good enough? You aren’t alone. You aren’t to blame. With help, you can feel better. Call or text, 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) to connect with counselors at the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Learn more here.

Postpartum Support International: Exhale Post-Abortion Support

In partnership with Exhale, PSI offers this support group for people who have had abortions (please see our other group for those who experienced termination for medical reasons). With trained peer facilitators, this group is a space for people to receive non-judgmental, post-abortion emotional support. This group is pro-voice, meaning this is a confidential space for speaking openly about abortion experiences, free from shame and stigma, outside the political and religious debate. Feelings of happiness, sadness, empowerment, anxiety, grief, relief, and guilt are all common after an abortion. PSI would like to provide the opportunity to talk about all of these emotions and experiences in a safe and confidential environment. You are not alone.

Register Here 1st and 3rd Sundays at 12 PM PST, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 2 PM PST.

 

Education, Trainings, and Webinars

CNMA Abortion Workshop

Save the date! CNMA will be offering an abortion workshop the day BEFORE the annual meeting on Saturday, November 5, 2022. More information is coming soon!

CNMA Annual Meeting

This year’s annual meeting will be held at the iconic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo on Sunday, November 6, 2022, 7:30 am - 5:30pm. Both in person and virtual options available.

Current topics include Advanced Practice Nurses in Abortion Care, Environmental influences on the developing fetus, Outpatient Induction, and Maneuvers for Vaginal Breech delivery.

  • 8 CEs provided

  • Breakfast and Lunch provided

  • Evening dance party!

  • Vaccinated hugs!

Come join us, vaccinated and masked, for a day of camaraderie, learning, and being together

in solidarity as we learn, network and grow as providers. Visit cnma.org/2022 for registration and more information about the meeting. And…Print and post the Annual Meeting Flier HERE! Discounted registration for CNMA members, and non-members who register for the annual meeting will receive a discount code to join CNMA! Hurry, Prices go up again on October 1!

Birth Trauma and the Professional

This webinar series starts on Wednesday, August 31, and continues weekly for 6 weeks. The program will also be available afterwards on-demand. See the full schedule below:

  • August 31, 2022: Two Layers of Support: Recognizing the Need for Trauma Support for Birth Professionals with Kate White and Lois Trezise

  • September 7, 2022: When Helping Hurts: Burn Out, Secondary Traumatic Stress and Moral Injury Among Birth Workers with Kathy Kendall-Tackett

  • September 14, 2022: See Me as A Person: The Importance of Care and Compassion for Oneself and Each Other with Mary Koloroutis and Michael Trout

  • September 21, 2022: The Impact of Secondary and Personal Trauma on Respectful Maternity Care with Amber Price

  • September 28, 2022: Professional Debriefing for Traumatic Birth Events: The Healing Sweet Spot with Karen Strange

  • October 5, 2022: Panel Talk

An anonymous donor has purchased an organizational subscription for ACNM, so the program is completely FREE for all ACNM members! Register with the code ACNMFREE today!

2022 Advanced Fetal Monitoring with Documentation and Legal Issues

Lisa A. Miller, CNM, JD will be providing a multidisciplinary program on Advanced Fetal Monitoring with Documentation & Legal Issues for Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, California. The program will include in-depth physiology and interpretation, as well as Category 2 management, a FHR tracings practicum, documentation tips, and legal issues. Providence St. Jude Medical Center has graciously agreed to open the courses to the public.

September 8 or 9, 2022 – There are limited seats open to clinicians from outside Providence St. Jude, for details and registration please contact Jeong Leon MSN, MHA, RNC-OB, EFM-C, Executive Director of Nursing, by email: Jeong.Leon@providence.org.

Maternal Suicide in the US

Join 2020 Mom on September 6 from 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM for their free webinar, Maternal Suicide in the US: The latest research and data collection efforts 2022. Maternal suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality. With efforts made by the policy organization, 2020 Mom, and the CDC, the U.S. has made significant progress on tracking and reporting maternal suicide rates. However, the work to identify maternal suicides is left to the states through reviews conducted in Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) settings. Additionally, state-based Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (PQCs) are generally charged with facilitating change based on MMRC findings. Register here.

The Impact of Suicide in Students and Nurses

Join ANA\C and ANA\C member, Dr. Charles A Griffis Ph.D. CRNA as he discusses the heavy topic of suicide and nursing. In the United States today, nursing and nursing students are more prone to depression due to burnout and overall lack of support in mental health due to stigma. In return, this has a strong impact on either committing or thinking about committing suicide. By attending this webinar, you will be able to understand the impacts that suicide makes on your family, friends, healthcare institution, and community. You will gain the tools and resources to help your friends and colleagues become one less person to commit suicide today. Attendees will be able to Describe the current suicide epidemic in the US and its effects on nurses and students, explore the potential causes of suicide amongst nurse and student nurses using a social-ecological model, discuss the risk factors and warning signs of suicidal nurses and student nurses, and describe intervention techniques to prevent suicide and save lives. 1.0 CEU. September 7th, 2022, 10am-11am PST. Register here.

CNMA San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter Meeting and Dinner

Iron Deficiency Anemia with Connie Ha, PharmD, Monday, September 12, 2022, 6:30 - 8:30 PM PST at Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab 8990 University Center Lane San Diego, CA 92122. Learning objectives:

  • Discuss the background of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and their associated co-morbidities, with a particular focus on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum issues

  • Introduce a novel oral iron formulation that addresses many of the current limitations associated with oral iron products

  • Review and discuss available clinical data on ferric maltol

Registration required by Tuesday, September 6: All midwives and students are welcome to attend. Please donate $10 to the nonprofit California Nurse-Midwives Foundation and list "SDIC" in the payment details. Questions? Contact us at cnma.sdic@gmail.com.

Closing the Gap: Presidents of three major health organizations on why we are prioritizing perinatal mental health.

Join the Mind the Gap national network for “Closing the Gap: Presidents of Three Major Health Organizations on Why We Are Prioritizing Perinatal Mental Health” as we welcome three standout healthcare leaders who will share their remarkable expertise and unique perspective on the urgent topic of improving perinatal mental health and wellbeing for families, providers, and communities. Never before have leaders of vital professional health organizations –representing OB/GYNs, nurse midwives, and pediatricians – made mental health care a priority. These leaders represent thousands of professionals who play an important role in our lives - providing care to pregnant and postpartum women, ensuring healthy births and babies, and helping families and children thrive. These leaders know that mental health and wellbeing services and supports are needed now more than ever – both for their patients' and colleagues’ wellness. Thursday, September 15 from 12-3 PM PST. Register to attend live or view the recording.

Mental Health in Nursing

Join ANA\C Fellow Gilanie De Castro and Rebekah Long as they host a panel discussing barriers to Employer Responsibility. The focus will be on the operations and logistics behind implementing mental health services and solutions (policy or otherwise), and what might impede the institutions’ ability to do so. Attendees will understand who and what is needed to implement new services and solutions; realize policies impeding access to mental healthcare; and learn what some organizations are doing to support their nurses. October 5, 2022, 10-11:30 AM PST. 1.5 CEUs. Register here!

LEAD Midwifery Works

Midwifery Works is a professional development conference produced by ACNM and designed by the Midwifery Business Network. This highly affordable conference is focused on helping midwives acquire and enhance their business and management skills. Dive deeper into the skills you need for a successful and impactful midwifery career! October 6, 2022 ,October 7-9, 2022 In-Person at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. Learn more and register here!

Transforming White Privilege

We invite you to explore with us our understanding of white privilege, racism, and anti-blackness. We will examine the history of race and racism and the culture of white supremacy and white fragility, as we learn to interrupt the harmful effects of racism. Engaging with readings, videos, exercises, personal stories and restorative practices, we will build a supportive, healing community while we cultivate the skills needed to show up together as white

midwives and birth workers to do the work of dismantling racism in maternity care. Please email a paragraph expressing your interest and motivation for taking the course to our facilitators at transformingprivilege@gmail.com by September 1st. We ask that you plan to attend all of the sessions and do the assigned videos and readings for each class. This class has been created

especially for white midwives and birth workers. Please share if you have any special concerns or recommendations. 10/7/21 - 11/4/21, Thursdays 2-4:30 PST.

Anti-Oppression in Midwifery Research and Practice: We Have Met the Enemy and They Are Us

Register now for the 35th Annual Therese Dondero Memorial Lecture Sponsored by the A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc. and supported by the Therese Dondero Memorial Fund​. This year’s lecture: Anti-Oppression in Midwifery Research and Practice: We Have Met the Enemy and They Are Us, will be presented by Saraswathi Vedam, RM, PhD, FACNM, Sci D (hc)​ Professor at the UBC Department of Family Medicine,​ Lead Investigator at the Birth Place Lab​, and MSFHR Health Professional Investigator​ at the University of British Columbia​. October 13, 2022, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM PST, 1CE.

The Midwife as Surgical First Assistant

ACNM has a full schedule of The Midwife as Surgical First Assistant (First Assist) Virtual Clinical Labs available in 2022! 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 (September is SOLD OUT), so be sure to register for the date you need NOW!

ACNM Health Policy Summit

The Health Policy Summit is designed to support the advancement of public policy impacting the midwifery profession and women and families served. The meeting will provide midwives with an opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate the importance of proposed legislation impacting the midwifery profession including: Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services Act (Midwives for MOMS Act), the Perinatal Workforce Act of 2020, Birth Access Benefitting Improved Essential Facility Services (BABIES) Act, and the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2019. Continuing education credits will be offered for this conference. November 14-15, 2022. Learn more and register here.

AWHONN’s International Nursing Delegation

At the invitation of Dr. Sumaya AlBlooshi, Director of Nursing, Ministry of Health and Prevention, United Arab Emirates, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is developing a delegation to visit the UAE for a high-level, in-depth international exchange. The goal of this delegation is to foster one-on-one dialogue with our UAE nursing counterparts. Please view the Preliminary Schedule of Activities. The AWHONN delegation will convene in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on December 3, 2022, and conclude in Dubai, UAE, on December 9, 2022. The delegation will meet with members of the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Ministry of Health to understand the professional nursing and midwifery practice structure with a focus on models that could be adapted for America. We will also have time to explore Abu Dhabi and Dubai with visits to local sites where we can experience the culture and cuisine of the area. The Citizen Ambassador Program is applying for continuing education credits for this program. Delegates are responsible for their own program costs. The estimated cost per delegate is $3,850 USD. This includes all activities, both professional and cultural, as specified in the preliminary schedule of activities, ground transportation, accommodations, most meals, and essentially all other costs associated with participation. The Citizen Ambassador Program has flexible payment plans, and they will work with you to select a plan that accommodates your financial planning. Please contact their office at Citizenambassador@culturalvistas.org. To join the AWHONN delegation, please complete the Delegation Application Form no later than September 9, 2022.

Diversity & Inclusion Conference On-Demand

Didn’t get to attend ACNM’s 2022 VIRTUAL Diversity & Inclusion Conference? No problem! Registration for the on-demand sessions is NOW OPEN! Learn from experts demonstrating how to guide, influence, and manage change to create inclusive experiences. Topics include creating a culture of inclusion, inclusive sexual health, race as a social construct, implicit bias, reproductive justice, LGBTQ/nonbinary care, and more. Registration includes access to two days of virtual content and earn up to 12 CEs. Click to learn more and register!

PSI CONFERENCE RECORDINGS NOW AVAILABLE

The PSI 2022 conference recordings are now available for purchase. This includes access to all recorded sessions, keynote presentations and award ceremonies. Recordings are $300 for students, $400 for PSI members and $425 for non-members. If you attended the conference, the recordings are included in your registration and can be accessed at no additional cost by signing in to the conference website. Recordings will be available through January 20, 2023. CEs for recordings are available through the same date. View or purchase conference recordings here.


To view previously listed educational opportunities, please visit our website at https://www.cnma.org/courses.

 

Job Opportunities

OB Hospitalist Group: Marshall Medical Center

OB Hospitalist is looking for a CNM to work on 5 shifts off 10 working between the clinic and hospital. Marshall Medical is in Placerville, CA (Northern California). Full day at the clinic while the 2nd CNM will oversee low-risk deliveries at the hospital. CNM in the clinic will not be on call, once done in the clinic you will be able to leave. This will give you the work/life balance that you are looking for. Physician will be on back up call. Contact Linda Collier, Senior Recruiter OBHG lcollier@obhg.com Direct: 864-516-2672 www.obhg.com. $5k referral bonus if you send me someone and we hire them!

OB Hospitalist Group: Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

OB Hospitalist Group is seeking a certified nurse midwife to join our team at Memorial Hospital located in Bakersfield, CA The facility is located 2 hours North of Los Angeles with easy access to the coast or the mountains for outdoor adventure! As a certified nurse midwife, you will see patients in the obstetric emergency department (OBED), manage and deliver low risk obstetric patients, assist on cesarean sections, and help with post-partum rounds. This position features 24-hour, in-house shifts with an OB-GYN hospitalist physician. Please contact Linda Collier Senior Recruiter OBHG for more details lcollier@obhg.com Cell. 517-749-3668. $5k referral bonus if you send me someone and we hire them!

 

Medi-Cal Rx

The Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for August and September are 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:

 

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!


 

Visit our website at CNMA.ORG!






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