For CPMs Who Want Out

You didn’t become a midwife because you wanted to hurt anyone. You wanted to serve, to support women, to honor birth.

You were told you were part of a sacred tradition. That certification was enough. That being a “birthkeeper” was noble. You believed it—and you gave your all.

But maybe you’re realizing something else now.

Maybe you’ve attended births where things went wrong and you didn’t know what to do.
Maybe you’ve sat through peer reviews that felt more like cover-ups than accountability.
Maybe you were taught to fear hospitals—but now you fear what happens when you don’t have one.

And maybe you’re wondering if what you were sold… was a lie.

You Were Promised Recognition—But Left Without Support

You were told:

  • That CPM certification would give you legitimacy.

  • That licensure meant safety.

  • That attending births outside the system would bring autonomy and respect.

But the truth is, you were sent into life-and-death situations with substandard training, no backup, and no protection.

And when things went wrong?
The system failed you, too.

It Takes Courage to Say “This Isn’t Safe”

If you’ve come to that realization, you are not alone.

More CPMs than you know are questioning what they were taught. Some are quietly stepping away. Some are seeking more education. A few have spoken out.

But we need more voices—your voice.

You Can Still Be a Midwife

You don’t have to give up your calling. But you do need a new path forward.

Become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM):

  • Earn a graduate degree

  • Gain hospital-based experience

  • Integrate into the health system

  • Keep attending births—safely, confidently, and with real respect

CPM to CNM Facebook Support Group

Or become an advocate for reform:

  • Speak publicly about the dangers of under-regulated midwifery

  • Support policies that align CPM training with international standards

  • Speak out about the absurdity of a profession with this much responsibility that doesn’t even require a college degree

  • Support policies that make home birth safer.

  • Help ensure the next generation of midwives isn’t put in the same position

It’s Not Too Late

You were misled. That’s not your fault.

But now that you know, you have a choice:
Stay silent—or speak up.
Walk away—or help change it.

The most radical act of midwifery you can offer now is truth.

You can still save lives.
Start with your own.

 FAQs

  • Yes. Many midwives enter the profession with deep passion and dedication—but later find themselves overwhelmed, isolated, or afraid they’re in over their heads. If you’re feeling that way, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing. Beyond burnout or uncertainty, these feelings often reflect a deeper truth: your training didn’t match the life-and-death responsibility you were given. On top of that, most CPMs are also expected to function as independent business owners—adding financial pressure to an already unsupported role.

  • Yes. Not everyone needs to speak out publicly. Some midwives step away quietly, others share their story to protect future families. Both are valid. What matters is your integrity—and your own well-being. If you’re realizing the system misled you, know this: you have been a victim too—just like the women you served.

  • Yes. While it requires additional education, many former CPMs have successfully transitioned to become Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). This path offers more training, legal support, and professional respect—and it allows you to keep attending births while being fully integrated into the healthcare system. There is also the AMCB Certified Midwife option available in some states.

  • Many CPMs have caused preventable harm—not because they didn’t care, but because they weren’t given the training or support they needed. Acknowledging this doesn’t make you a bad midwife—it makes you a brave one. You can still do good—for yourself and for others.

  • Yes. CNMs and CMs can attend home births with full academic training, emergency preparedness, and hospital access. Supporting home birth doesn’t mean accepting lower standards—it means insisting on better ones.

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