Become the Change You Wish to See

I think that "being the change" is a pretty common saying...but how many people actually do it? I am compelled, pulled, destined to become the change that is needed in MS with concerns to midwifery.

As of right now, there are 12 midwives that "admit" to practicing in the state of Mississippi. Here is the thing about MS right now...anyone can call themselves a midwife. I could put an add in the paper tomorrow advertising myself as a midwife if I wanted (though, trust me, I am not going to). This is not the safest of situations.

Now in 2010 a bill was put forward that did not go into law...thank God. It basically stated that only licenced Nurse-Midwives would be allowed in the state, and only hospital births allowed being closely overseen by doctors. In other words, home birth would become illegal (as it is in Alabama...another bone of contention with me, since I go to school in Alabama). Direct-entry midwives would be in danger of being arrested and charged with the felony of "practicing medicine" without a licence. (By the way, midwives do not, nor pretend to, practice "medicine"). But as I said, this bill died in committee.

This year, a much better bill was put forward at the urging of those 12 midwives and their many supporters in the state. This bill would require all Direct-Entry Midwives (also known as "lay" midwives) to register with NARM (North American Registry of Midwives). Doing this would require them to take a test, both written and practical, and stay current with their registration (every 3 years I believe). They would also register with the Health Department and submit records for the public to access through the DOH. The bill "died" this year, but received quite a bit of attention, which perhaps will help next year.

This bill would have done several things. The most important being that women choosing a midwife would know what her education and qualifications are. She would be able to see their history of births and outcomes and make an educated decision. The next thing it would do is protect the art of midwifery in the state. Midwives kicked out of other areas for bad outcomes would not be able to come to Mississippi expecting to hide (as they could now, since there is no regulation). Midwives would also be protected from arrest and prosecution, which has been a problem in other states where the situation is similar to ours.

The issue is this. Women in this state need to write, call, email, and generally badger their representative. Many people, and especially many of the men in the legislature have no idea about the benefits of midwifery or the need for the service they provide. If they are not presented with the information they may never look for it themselves. It is our job as thinking women to help them gain the knowledge. Perhaps next time a bill comes forward to help midwifery, they will remember a letter from us and know what they are voting for.

So, women of Mississippi (and everywhere really) stand up! Shout! Make noise! You may feel like one drop of water in the ocean, but waves are made up of drops of water. Lets become the wave that washes out the bad birth vibes in this state and improve the outcomes for mothers and babies.