I was honored to be interviewed by midwifery student, Saga Taylor. Saga is studying to be a CPM. Her original assignment was to interview a CPM from her state. After failed tempted to find an interview, she asked if I would be willing to answer some questions. This is the recap of the interview. My answers are in teal.
What are the biggest difficulties that you face in Nebraska? The biggest difficulty I face is the general population thinking home birth is illegal here. Most people are very misinformed of the law here in Nebraska regarding home birth. The Nebraska Revised Statue 38-613(3) clearly states CNM cannot attend home births. Nothing else is said about other midwives or home birth, in general.
If you do any kind of collaborating with health care providers, what are some struggles you face when doing so? I do collaborate with very specific health care individuals, who understand women’s birth choices. However, the struggle comes with providers, who do not understand birth choices and thus treat families, who choose home birth, with distain and disrespect. What are ways you have got involve with the changes in Nebraska regarding midwifery and birth? My personal conviction is opposed to governmental midwifery regulations. I do not believe that we should be asking the government’s permission or blessing when it comes to serving families. This is why I serve women through Private Membership Association (PMA). PMAs open up options for women free of regulations. Why in your opinion are CNMs legal but CPMs are not? I think it’s more about controlling home birth in the state. CNM cannot attend home births here, according to the law. However, CPM’s not being mentioned in the law, does open them to serve with being neither legal or illegal; however, most want the government “security blanket” of regulation. What do you hope to see change in Nebraska in the future? I hope to see more women, who stop looking to the government for permission and own their own body and birth. I hope to see midwives, like myself, who storm down the system to serve women freely without rules and regulation.I think it’s more about controlling home birth in the state. CNM cannot attend home births here, according to the law. However, CPM’s not being mentioned in the law, does open them to serve with being neither legal or illegal; however, most want the government “security blanket” of regulation.
What other information would you want people to know about birth and midwifery in Nebraska?Here in Nebraska home birth is booming. Many women choose unassisted births, me, or an underground midwife. Since starting my services in January 2017, I have had over 140 women contact me about services. Women are waking to a new age of personal authority for themselves and their families. I’m excited and honored to be a part of it!