Midwifery practice and education: Current challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Midwifery clinical practice and education has changed significantly since Mary Breckinridge first introduced nurse-midwives to the United States in 1925. This article discusses current challenges in midwifery clinical practice and education and proposes possible solutions. Midwifery clinical challenges include restrictive legislation and business-related barriers, including but not limited to physician supervision restrictions, prescriptive authority, out-of-hospital birth legislation, and third party reimbursement. Educational challenges highlighted include the current healthcare climate's influence on midwifery education, the contribution of clinical sites and preceptors, and the benefits of midwifery education.