The Demand for Home Birth

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Midwifery-0311.mp3

March 11, 2013

In Maryland, the number of babies born at home has risen by over 60% since 2005.  That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control.  It’s still a small number--fewer than one percent of all births--but the increased demand is visible. 

Most home births are attended by midwives, but Maryland recognizes only certified nurse midwives, who have degrees in nursing as well as midwifery; there aren’t enough of them practicing in Maryland to meet the demand.  26 other states—including Virginia and Delaware—also recognize certified professional midwives, or CPMs, who specialize in out-of-hospital births, and are not required to have any degree.  You can see the map of where they're licensed here.

A bill now before the General Assembly (House Bill 1202) would create a two-year pilot program during which CPMs would be licensed to practice here. It's sponsored by Delegate Arianna Kelly, Democrat of Montgomery County.  Delegate Kelly sponsored a similar bill for licensure last year.  It didn’t pass, but led to the creation of a workgroup, which examined the increased demand for licensed home births. 

Producer Stephanie Hughes talks to a certified professional midwife who's practicing here without a license, and to parents who are planning to have her attend their home birth.  We also hear from a physician who oppose the licensure of CPMs, and learn about the concerns of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.