In plain words
A licensed midwife is a who holds a state license to attend births. In California, licensed midwives, often called LMs, attend planned births outside the hospital, most often at home. They hold a different license from a , who usually works in a hospital or clinic. LMs provide prenatal care, labor support, and postpartum care, and they plan in advance for transfer to a hospital if needed. Many families choose them for a more personal, continuous model of care. Hospital transfer happens more often with first births than with later ones. Not every LM attends every birth, and coverage differs by insurance. Each LM has a transfer plan for births that need a hospital.
The deeper version
California licensed midwives are regulated by the Medical Board of California under the state Midwifery Practice Act. Their education and practice requirements differ from those of nurse-midwives, who are certified nurses regulated by the Board of Registered Nursing. LMs attend planned out-of-hospital births. The Medical Board's annual report records intrapartum hospital transfers, which are more common for first births than for later ones. Comparative studies of planned home birth with midwives have reported similar or lower intervention rates, with higher transfer rates for first births. The controversy concerns selection bias, transfer protocols, and access to midwifery in publicly funded care.
Where it comes up
- OB or midwife: choosing who catches your babyGetting Ready for Birth
- Hospital, birth center, or homeGetting Ready for Birth
- Writing a birth plan that actually helpsGetting Ready for Birth
- Building your birth teamGetting Ready for Birth
What mothers here say about licensed midwife
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Sources
- Medical Board of California — Licensed Midwife Annual Report