Alphabet Soup


"The midwives were great listeners and supportive.  I loved that the midwives were as hands on or hands off as the situation required in my labor because they knew me so well by the end of my pregnancy."

- McCulloch February 2014

Midwife Definitions


Direct-Entry Midwife (DEM)

A midwife who entered her midwifery training directly, without first attending nursing school.


Nurse-Midwife

A midwife who trained as a midwife after first becoming a registered nurse.


Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) 

The national certification for direct-entry midwives.


Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

The national certification for nurse-midwives.


Licensed Direct-Entry Midwife (LDEM)

A direct-entry midwife licensed to practice by the State of Utah. In Utah, licensure for direct-entry midwives is optional.  All of BetterBirth's direct-entry midwives are either licensed or working toward licensure.  Licensure is required to practice as a CNM in Utah.