Midwifery in Hawaiʻi

Lay of the land for midwifery care and licensing in Hawaiʻi 

Image based on the work of Carol Gautchi, who is a Traditionally trained and licensed Midwife on the Washington Peninsula who developed and presented the framework for Classical Midwifery Care in the image above. 

The Midwifery Model of Care

Midwifery Care is:

• A women-centered approach which perceives Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum as an optimal state of Wellness with unique physical, spiritual, emotional, nutritional and medical needs.  

• A blend between art and science acknowledging the inter-connectedness & complexity of each women's experience and needs during each stage of life from Menarche to Menopause and through all stages of her childbearing year.

Types of Modern Pregnancy and Birth Care Providers in Hawai'i

• Certified Nurse-Midwife - CNM

• Certified Professional Midwife - CPM

• Certified Midwife - CM 

• Direct Entry Midwife - DEM

• Licensed Midwife  - LM

• Birth Attendant - A former Midwifery Practitioner who's education and training does not qualify them for Hawai'i licensure* 

• Traditional Healer* 

• Pale Keiki - Traditional Native Hawaiian Healer and birth keeper* 

• Hilot or Lola - Traditional Filipina Healer and birth keeper*

• Samba San - Traditional Japanese Healer and birth keeper*

*designated in 2019, bared from using the title "Midwife" or "practicing Midwifery without a License" 

Other Professionals who serve childbearing women: 

• Doula: a Non-medical support person during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum

• Monitrice: Offers support as a Doula but is also able to perform basic medical care under a primary midwife or doctor

• Naturopathic Doctor - NP

• Registered Nurse - RN

• OBGYN - MD

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Hawai'i Midwifery Legislation

Controversial Midwifery legislated was passed in the State of Hawaii in May of 2019. HRS 457-J is now in affect allowing Certified Professional Midwives to apply for state licensure with a temporary exemption for Birth Attendants which expired in July 2023.

1. There are no Midwifery Licensing Programs located in Hawai'i

2. There is no legally recognized apprentice pathway into Midwifery in Hawai'i

   
   

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Midwifery Around the World

Source:  The Common Wealth Fund Maternal Mortality and Maternity Care in the United States Compared to 10 Other Developed Countries