Birth Matters

Birth Matters has been serving San Diego County, Orange County, and the South Riverside area for about 25 years. Whenever a prospective client inquires about our services, it has, and always will be our practice, to give referrals to other midwives in the surrounding area. San Diego has over 25 practicing midwives and the growing number of midwives means more options for expecting mothers and families. Whether you desire a Birth Center birth or a homebirth with a Midwife, you must choose a Midwife that you feel comfortable with, who is well-trained. How are Midwives Licensed? Midwives who practice in California legally are either Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM's) who are licensed by the board of registered nurses, Certified Midwives (CM's) who are also licensed by the board of registered Nurses or Licensed Midwives (LM's) who are licensed by the Medical Board of California. Certified Professional Midwives (CPM's) are not approved to practice legally in the state of California but are recognized in some other states as legally able to provide midwifery service. The midwives at Birth Matters are LM's. We are licensed to practice midwifery as independent health care professionals and we are not required to be supervised by a physician. A licensed midwife receives her training and experience through a three-year, post-secondary midwifery education program or the equivalent thereof. To become licensed, a qualified candidate must pass a national certification exam administered jointly through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM), and the Medical Board of California.