NFOM Frequently Asked Questions
About Midwives
About Home Birth
"A doctor goes to school for a very long time to learn such things, so why use an 'old-fashioned' midwife?"
"Can I get an epidural if I have a midwife?
What if I need a cesarean section?"
"Who can I ask about having a VBAC? Are there any midwives that deal with them a lot?"
About Home Birth
"You had a home birth? Aren't those illegal?"
"Can babies born at home get birth certificates and social security numbers?"
"Do babies born at home still get the newborn blood and hearing screenings?"
"Isn't birth too messy to do at home?" Do women ever see licensed providers for prenatal care and diagnostic testing, and then stay home to give birth with unlicensed, non-nurse midwives?
"Aren't hospitals sterile?"
"How did NFOM get started?"
"I'm just a parent. I don't know enough about _____ (you fill in the blank: the legislative process, anatomy and physiology, public speaking, etc)? Shouldn't I learn more before getting involved?"
"What are some *easy* ways I can get involved?"
"Are my donations to NFOM tax deductible?"
About Midwives
"A doctor goes to school for a very long time to learn about such things, so why use an 'old-fashioned' midwife?"
The idea of midwifery as old-fashioned is one that has itself become passé. Despite concerted efforts to eradicate the profession of midwifery, not just in Nebraska, but internationally, midwifery has persisted and in recent decades has begun to flourish. Following a variety of educational paths, Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Midwives, and Certified Professional Midwives all receive certification through national exams. The bodies that issue these certifications are all accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Midwives are much loved, more organized than ever, and are growing in numbers.
"Can I get an epidural if I have a midwife? What if I need a cesarean section?"
Although women often choose midwives because they hope to avoid an epidural or cesarean section, the midwifery model and most midwives are not anti-epidural or anti-cesarean section. The midwifery model advocates judicious, rather than routine, use of any procedures or interventions. Nebraska CNMs have the authority to prescribe (yes, that's right: prescribe) epidurals for mothers giving birth in hospitals. Midwives are experts in normal birth and are not surgeons, so mothers birthing at home or in hospital who require cesarean sections are referred to obstetricians for further care, just like mothers needing surgical care who are being attended by family physicians. When comparing like populations of mothers and babies, midwives on a whole can boast lower rates of cesarean sections and other interventions than can physicians.
Women who give birth at home in Nebraska with non-nurse midwives use comfort measures other than analgesia/anesthesia. Transferring to the hospital to employ the use of an epidural or to have a cesarean section is not considered a failed home birth but a successful collaboration and coordination of care.
More information about the scope of practice of a Nebraska CNM can be found here and here.
"Can I see a midwife if I am having a VBAC?"
Most CNMs follow the newly recommended guidelines for VBAC set forth by the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists (ACOG).
The response of the International Cesarean Awareness Network can be read here.
"Who can I ask about having a VBAC? Are there any midwives that deal with them a lot?"
Because of the law requiring written practice agreements (scroll all the way to the bottom of that link to read about the WPA) between CNMs and physicians, a woman's ability to attempt a VBAC ultimately depends on physician comfort. Many physicians will tell women that they can attempt VBAC but then after the woman gets late in pregnancy she is told that she is not a good candidate for VBAC and is discouraged from trying or scared into scheduling a repeat cesarean section.
Women Need To Ask:
"How many women attempted VBAC in your practice within the past year?"
AND
"What was the success rate of women who attempted to have a VBAC?"
Click here for more information about VBAC in specific hospitals in Nebraska including Cesarean Rates by Hospital, state cesarean rates, and which hospitals in Nebraska offer VBAC.
Where can I find a CNM in Nebraska?
Check out this handy list.
"A doctor goes to school for a very long time to learn about such things, so why use an 'old-fashioned' midwife?"
The idea of midwifery as old-fashioned is one that has itself become passé. Despite concerted efforts to eradicate the profession of midwifery, not just in Nebraska, but internationally, midwifery has persisted and in recent decades has begun to flourish. Following a variety of educational paths, Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Midwives, and Certified Professional Midwives all receive certification through national exams. The bodies that issue these certifications are all accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Midwives are much loved, more organized than ever, and are growing in numbers.
"Can I get an epidural if I have a midwife? What if I need a cesarean section?"
Although women often choose midwives because they hope to avoid an epidural or cesarean section, the midwifery model and most midwives are not anti-epidural or anti-cesarean section. The midwifery model advocates judicious, rather than routine, use of any procedures or interventions. Nebraska CNMs have the authority to prescribe (yes, that's right: prescribe) epidurals for mothers giving birth in hospitals. Midwives are experts in normal birth and are not surgeons, so mothers birthing at home or in hospital who require cesarean sections are referred to obstetricians for further care, just like mothers needing surgical care who are being attended by family physicians. When comparing like populations of mothers and babies, midwives on a whole can boast lower rates of cesarean sections and other interventions than can physicians.
Women who give birth at home in Nebraska with non-nurse midwives use comfort measures other than analgesia/anesthesia. Transferring to the hospital to employ the use of an epidural or to have a cesarean section is not considered a failed home birth but a successful collaboration and coordination of care.
More information about the scope of practice of a Nebraska CNM can be found here and here.
"Can I see a midwife if I am having a VBAC?"
Most CNMs follow the newly recommended guidelines for VBAC set forth by the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists (ACOG).
The response of the International Cesarean Awareness Network can be read here.
"Who can I ask about having a VBAC? Are there any midwives that deal with them a lot?"
Because of the law requiring written practice agreements (scroll all the way to the bottom of that link to read about the WPA) between CNMs and physicians, a woman's ability to attempt a VBAC ultimately depends on physician comfort. Many physicians will tell women that they can attempt VBAC but then after the woman gets late in pregnancy she is told that she is not a good candidate for VBAC and is discouraged from trying or scared into scheduling a repeat cesarean section.
Women Need To Ask:
"How many women attempted VBAC in your practice within the past year?"
AND
"What was the success rate of women who attempted to have a VBAC?"
Click here for more information about VBAC in specific hospitals in Nebraska including Cesarean Rates by Hospital, state cesarean rates, and which hospitals in Nebraska offer VBAC.
Where can I find a CNM in Nebraska?
Check out this handy list.
About Home Birth
"You had a home birth in Nebraska? Aren't those illegal?"
The short answer is that it is impossible to legislate the location of a physiologic process. The locations in which state-licensed midwives are allowed to practice can be legislated. In Nebraska, the only midwives licensed by the state to provide maternity services are Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and they are restricted from attending home births. For a CNM, purposeful attendance at a home birth is a felony; only in Nebraska and Alabama are CNMs so restricted. At this time Certified Professional Midwives and Direct Entry Midwives are not licensed in Nebraska, and there is nothing in Nebraska's statutes explicitly addressing their practice. Please take a moment to read more about that here- scroll down near the bottom under "Non-Nurse Midwives".
"What about baby warmers and heat lamps?"
Mamas are the original baby warmers. At home (and often in birth centers and hospitals, too) a baby is usually handed over to his/her mother (who has become very, very warm during the birthing process), quickly dried, and a cap is placed on the baby's head to help keep in heat. A mother-baby pair is covered as a unit- skin to skin- with blankets. Usually there is also a stack of towels that have been warmed by heating pads placed between them. These are handy for drying babes and for keeping babes warm if they are away from mom for any reason.
"Can babies born at home get birth certificates and social security numbers?"
Yes.
Parents often fill out the paperwork to obtain a Social Security number for a newborn when applying for a birth certificate. Available online are both information about Social Security numbers and the application form. Although useful and necessary for many legal interactions (such as claiming a child as a dependent when filing taxes, applying for government services, or obtaining medical coverage) applying for Social Security numbers is voluntary for babies born at home, just as it is for babies born in hospitals or birth centers. There is never a charge for a Social Security number and card from Social Security Administration. For more information about Social Security, contact your nearest Social Security office or call the toll-free number (800) 772-1213 between 7a.m. and 7 p.m. on any business day.
The issuance of a birth certificate is not a federal but a state function. Paperwork for babies born at home is filed with the Department of Health and Human Services by either parents or the attending care provider. Copies can be ordered online, but the original can not be filed online. The phone number for the Office of Vial Records is 402-471-0907. The address is 1033 "O" Street, Suite 130, Lincoln, NE. Nebraska law states that certificates shall be filed with the department within five business days after the birth.
The Nebraska laws governing the registration of a stillborn child can be found here. The statue reads: "A stillborn child shall be registered as a fetal death on a certificate form furnished by the department. Such certificate shall not be required for a child which has not advanced to the twentieth week of gestation."
"You had a home birth in Nebraska? Aren't those illegal?"
The short answer is that it is impossible to legislate the location of a physiologic process. The locations in which state-licensed midwives are allowed to practice can be legislated. In Nebraska, the only midwives licensed by the state to provide maternity services are Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and they are restricted from attending home births. For a CNM, purposeful attendance at a home birth is a felony; only in Nebraska and Alabama are CNMs so restricted. At this time Certified Professional Midwives and Direct Entry Midwives are not licensed in Nebraska, and there is nothing in Nebraska's statutes explicitly addressing their practice. Please take a moment to read more about that here- scroll down near the bottom under "Non-Nurse Midwives".
"What about baby warmers and heat lamps?"
Mamas are the original baby warmers. At home (and often in birth centers and hospitals, too) a baby is usually handed over to his/her mother (who has become very, very warm during the birthing process), quickly dried, and a cap is placed on the baby's head to help keep in heat. A mother-baby pair is covered as a unit- skin to skin- with blankets. Usually there is also a stack of towels that have been warmed by heating pads placed between them. These are handy for drying babes and for keeping babes warm if they are away from mom for any reason.
"Can babies born at home get birth certificates and social security numbers?"
Yes.
Parents often fill out the paperwork to obtain a Social Security number for a newborn when applying for a birth certificate. Available online are both information about Social Security numbers and the application form. Although useful and necessary for many legal interactions (such as claiming a child as a dependent when filing taxes, applying for government services, or obtaining medical coverage) applying for Social Security numbers is voluntary for babies born at home, just as it is for babies born in hospitals or birth centers. There is never a charge for a Social Security number and card from Social Security Administration. For more information about Social Security, contact your nearest Social Security office or call the toll-free number (800) 772-1213 between 7a.m. and 7 p.m. on any business day.
The issuance of a birth certificate is not a federal but a state function. Paperwork for babies born at home is filed with the Department of Health and Human Services by either parents or the attending care provider. Copies can be ordered online, but the original can not be filed online. The phone number for the Office of Vial Records is 402-471-0907. The address is 1033 "O" Street, Suite 130, Lincoln, NE. Nebraska law states that certificates shall be filed with the department within five business days after the birth.
The Nebraska laws governing the registration of a stillborn child can be found here. The statue reads: "A stillborn child shall be registered as a fetal death on a certificate form furnished by the department. Such certificate shall not be required for a child which has not advanced to the twentieth week of gestation."
"Do babies born at home still get the newborn blood and hearing screenings?"
The blood screening, commonly called "the heel poke", is mandated for every Nebraska newborn regardless of birth location. The blood is screened for certain specific genetic conditions with the intention of identifying these conditions before they become symptomatic. For a list of conditions and other basic information, check out the links below.
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/nsp/parents.htm
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/nsp/RequiredTests-parents.htm
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/nsp/
This very long document, published in 2003, explains Nebraska's Plan for Newborn Screening.
Click here to read some basic information about the controversy that has surrounded the issue of the government mandated screenings.
Places that parents have newborns tested for these genetic conditions include hospital labs, clinics, and physician's offices. While the blood test itself costs laboratories only around $35.00, there have been cases in which new parents have seen bills for 20 times that. For that reason parents often call ahead to the billing offices to find out all the costs associated with the test before making an appointment at a certain location. Coming soon to the NFOM Blog is the personal account of one Nebraska family's billing experience with the heel poke.
At least two Nebraska families have made efforts not to submit to the genetic screening law.
The Anaya Famly- from Omaha, Nebraska:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1912817/posts
http://www.keatinglaw.com/2007/10/keating-ogara-nedved-peter-defends-parental-rights/
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/10713/nebraskas-mandatory-newborn-testing-law-upheld
http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/cases/reporting/Anaya.pdf
http://www.throughtheeyes.org/articles/2008/12/05/in-re-interest-of-joel-anaya/
The Spiering Family- from Wahoo, Nebraska:
http://columbustelegram.com/news/article_9fdd21bd-d295-5d46-9247-025603b4832f.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/27/AR2007012700815.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16846962/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/t/faithful-challenge-newborn-blood-test-laws/
http://howappealing.law.com/SpieringVsHeineman.pdf
While Nebraska statutes do not require all newborns to receive the hearing screening, they do state that all Nebraska birthing facilities "shall include a hearing screening test as part of its standard of care for newborns". Regarding home birth, statutes require (see the bottom of the link) that the Department of Health and Human Services educate parents about the importance of the screening and provide information and assistance to parents in having the test done within three months of the birth.
The blood screening, commonly called "the heel poke", is mandated for every Nebraska newborn regardless of birth location. The blood is screened for certain specific genetic conditions with the intention of identifying these conditions before they become symptomatic. For a list of conditions and other basic information, check out the links below.
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/nsp/parents.htm
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/nsp/RequiredTests-parents.htm
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/nsp/
This very long document, published in 2003, explains Nebraska's Plan for Newborn Screening.
Click here to read some basic information about the controversy that has surrounded the issue of the government mandated screenings.
Places that parents have newborns tested for these genetic conditions include hospital labs, clinics, and physician's offices. While the blood test itself costs laboratories only around $35.00, there have been cases in which new parents have seen bills for 20 times that. For that reason parents often call ahead to the billing offices to find out all the costs associated with the test before making an appointment at a certain location. Coming soon to the NFOM Blog is the personal account of one Nebraska family's billing experience with the heel poke.
At least two Nebraska families have made efforts not to submit to the genetic screening law.
The Anaya Famly- from Omaha, Nebraska:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1912817/posts
http://www.keatinglaw.com/2007/10/keating-ogara-nedved-peter-defends-parental-rights/
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/10713/nebraskas-mandatory-newborn-testing-law-upheld
http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/cases/reporting/Anaya.pdf
http://www.throughtheeyes.org/articles/2008/12/05/in-re-interest-of-joel-anaya/
The Spiering Family- from Wahoo, Nebraska:
http://columbustelegram.com/news/article_9fdd21bd-d295-5d46-9247-025603b4832f.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/27/AR2007012700815.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16846962/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/t/faithful-challenge-newborn-blood-test-laws/
http://howappealing.law.com/SpieringVsHeineman.pdf
While Nebraska statutes do not require all newborns to receive the hearing screening, they do state that all Nebraska birthing facilities "shall include a hearing screening test as part of its standard of care for newborns". Regarding home birth, statutes require (see the bottom of the link) that the Department of Health and Human Services educate parents about the importance of the screening and provide information and assistance to parents in having the test done within three months of the birth.
"Isn't giving birth too messy to do at home?"
Although birth in general can be a fairly messy event, those who have experienced planned home birth know that the answer to this is no. When planning home births women usually purchase new flannel-backed tablecloths, plastic sheeting, or shower liners which serve to contain birth "mess". Chux pads like the ones used in hospitals are often used, and sheets, towels, and any other items in need of washing go into the laundry before the midwife leaves.
Here are a few comments made by new mothers regarding mess following their home births.
This is a helpful explanation by a midwife about how mess is managed.
Do women ever see licensed providers for prenatal care and diagnostic testing, and then stay home to give birth with unlicensed, non-nurse midwives?
Yes, this has happened, in a few different ways.
Most often in this situation, mothers have concurrently seen licensed care providers and non-nurse midwives during pregnancy. Sometimes care providers have known about and supported the home birth intention, other times care providers have not been told by mothers, for fear of being "fired" as a patient.
Why would a care provider discontinue care? Why does it even matter to a licensed care provider where a woman gives birth? Even when a licensed care provider simply philosophically supportive of or neutral about home birth there is significant professional risk involved in being perceived by colleagues and hospital administration as "backing-up" home birth. Issues of insurance, privileges, liability, litigation, and respect encourage many to steer clear of planned home birth situations. Because these health care professionals have invested both time and money into their careers, and because currently there can be negative consequences for them even following a positive home birth situation, and because they are entitled to their own beliefs, positions, and boundaries, care providers who are willing to provide prenatal care for mothers who intend to give birth at home are much appreciated by those who choose this option.
Although birth in general can be a fairly messy event, those who have experienced planned home birth know that the answer to this is no. When planning home births women usually purchase new flannel-backed tablecloths, plastic sheeting, or shower liners which serve to contain birth "mess". Chux pads like the ones used in hospitals are often used, and sheets, towels, and any other items in need of washing go into the laundry before the midwife leaves.
Here are a few comments made by new mothers regarding mess following their home births.
This is a helpful explanation by a midwife about how mess is managed.
Do women ever see licensed providers for prenatal care and diagnostic testing, and then stay home to give birth with unlicensed, non-nurse midwives?
Yes, this has happened, in a few different ways.
Most often in this situation, mothers have concurrently seen licensed care providers and non-nurse midwives during pregnancy. Sometimes care providers have known about and supported the home birth intention, other times care providers have not been told by mothers, for fear of being "fired" as a patient.
Why would a care provider discontinue care? Why does it even matter to a licensed care provider where a woman gives birth? Even when a licensed care provider simply philosophically supportive of or neutral about home birth there is significant professional risk involved in being perceived by colleagues and hospital administration as "backing-up" home birth. Issues of insurance, privileges, liability, litigation, and respect encourage many to steer clear of planned home birth situations. Because these health care professionals have invested both time and money into their careers, and because currently there can be negative consequences for them even following a positive home birth situation, and because they are entitled to their own beliefs, positions, and boundaries, care providers who are willing to provide prenatal care for mothers who intend to give birth at home are much appreciated by those who choose this option.
"Aren't hospitals sterile?"
No reason to reinvent the wheel here.
Scroll down to Myth #4 on this website belonging to Minnesota doulas and aspiring midwives Sarah and Amber to read Normal Household Germs Do Not Affect Mother or Baby- their answer to "Myth #4 — A hospital is a more sanitary place to have a baby than at home".
Both Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Professional Midwives are specifically educated, trained in, and tested on sterile practices and procedures. Concerns about sterile procedures should be discussed with one's own care provider.
Is there anywhere in Nebraska I can give birth with a licensed provider outside a hospital?
Yes- there is one such spot. Newly opened in December of 2011 is The Midwife's Place, a free-standing birth center in Bellevue. The center is owned and operated by Heather Ramsey, CNM, and Dr. Brian Finley. Birth centers have existed in the U.S. for over thirty years and boast exceptional maternal and infant results that are well-established. Many birth centers opt to become accredited- one advantage to accreditation is insurance reimbursement. The American Academy of Birth Centers (AABC) is the organization that offers the accreditation. Although birth centers dotting the states would make many women happy, it is not a venture that is easily achieved at this time, due to the state requirement that a CNM have a written practice agreements (scroll all the way to the bottom of that link to read about the WPA) with a physician in order to practice. For now midwives can only open birth centers when physicians are willing and able to partner with them.
"So, if I want to give birth in a home with a licensed birth attendant, and I can't do it in Nebraska, where's the closest place I CAN do it?"
In all states surrounding Nebraska, Certified Nurse Midwives are able to attend home birth without fear of legal prosecution for their attendance. Although they are not in their own homes, multiple pregnant Nebraskan mothers have traveled into other states to give birth.
Possible contacts include:
Iowa (Western)
Nicole Marie Josselyn, CNM
712-256-9989
nicole@exodushomebirth.com
http://www.exodushomebirth.com/
Northeast Kansas
Anita Woods, CPM
(913) 608-4102
shiphranita@gmail.com
http://www.nekansashomebirth.com/
South Dakota
Jeanne Prentice, CNM
605-559-0320
http://www.womankindmidwifery.com/
More links to services available in bordering states will be added soon. Please contact NFOM with any suggestions.
If traveling is an option, a unique opportunity is to give birth with the midwives at The Farm in Tennessee.
No reason to reinvent the wheel here.
Scroll down to Myth #4 on this website belonging to Minnesota doulas and aspiring midwives Sarah and Amber to read Normal Household Germs Do Not Affect Mother or Baby- their answer to "Myth #4 — A hospital is a more sanitary place to have a baby than at home".
Both Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Professional Midwives are specifically educated, trained in, and tested on sterile practices and procedures. Concerns about sterile procedures should be discussed with one's own care provider.
Is there anywhere in Nebraska I can give birth with a licensed provider outside a hospital?
Yes- there is one such spot. Newly opened in December of 2011 is The Midwife's Place, a free-standing birth center in Bellevue. The center is owned and operated by Heather Ramsey, CNM, and Dr. Brian Finley. Birth centers have existed in the U.S. for over thirty years and boast exceptional maternal and infant results that are well-established. Many birth centers opt to become accredited- one advantage to accreditation is insurance reimbursement. The American Academy of Birth Centers (AABC) is the organization that offers the accreditation. Although birth centers dotting the states would make many women happy, it is not a venture that is easily achieved at this time, due to the state requirement that a CNM have a written practice agreements (scroll all the way to the bottom of that link to read about the WPA) with a physician in order to practice. For now midwives can only open birth centers when physicians are willing and able to partner with them.
"So, if I want to give birth in a home with a licensed birth attendant, and I can't do it in Nebraska, where's the closest place I CAN do it?"
In all states surrounding Nebraska, Certified Nurse Midwives are able to attend home birth without fear of legal prosecution for their attendance. Although they are not in their own homes, multiple pregnant Nebraskan mothers have traveled into other states to give birth.
Possible contacts include:
Iowa (Western)
Nicole Marie Josselyn, CNM
712-256-9989
nicole@exodushomebirth.com
http://www.exodushomebirth.com/
Northeast Kansas
Anita Woods, CPM
(913) 608-4102
shiphranita@gmail.com
http://www.nekansashomebirth.com/
South Dakota
Jeanne Prentice, CNM
605-559-0320
http://www.womankindmidwifery.com/
More links to services available in bordering states will be added soon. Please contact NFOM with any suggestions.
If traveling is an option, a unique opportunity is to give birth with the midwives at The Farm in Tennessee.
About NFOM
"What is NFOM, and how did it get started?"
Read ALL ABOUT that here!
"I'm just a parent. I don't know enough about ______ (you fill in the blank: the legislative process, anatomy and physiology, speaking in public, etc). Shouldn't I learn more before getting involved?"
There is an abundance of information on this website for those who would like to know more.
But more knowledge is not always necessary. NFOM is a consumer-based grassroots organization existing to represent the desires of consumers. Although the organization seeks and sometimes pays for professional guidance, the steering and legwork is done almost entirely by midwifery supporters and consumers. While doulas, childbirth educators, and midwives certainly belong to the group, most NFOM members and supporters are involved in other pursuits outside the field of birth, such as teaching (or learning!), real estate, personal banking, insurance, farming, illustration, graphic design, and home-making. They share a common knowledge of their own personal reasons for appreciating the benefits of midwifery care and desiring greater access to it for themselves and others. This is the knowledge that has served as a foundation for most who become actively involved. Most of those active in NFOM have found that it is best to get involved and have learned as they've gone.
Not all involvement requires specific knowledge of midwifery or the legislative process. Scanning services, graphic design, and other services are needed and help to advance education, awareness, and legislation. Walking in a parade, collecting Terracycle, and baking cookies require very little expertise or public speaking.
I do want to help raise awareness and see the laws changed, but I am so busy with school/work/family- I don't have much time to give. Does involvement with NFOM take a lot of time?
Some kinds of involvement, like serving on the board, do require a substantial, on-going, less flexible time commitments, and can on occasion require a professional look and child care. Others require less time and allow for extensive flexibility. (Donating money takes two minutes!)
Some work can be done from home while children sleep (like letter writing, blog entries), or with children (like walking in a parade). Some activities can be demanding for a short time, but are then over (like organizing a booth at a neighborhood fair, attending or helping to facilitate a special event, or presenting about midwives in a school). There are board members and regional directors that can help give guidance to whatever kind of participation you choose.
Most important to remember is to do something. Many hands make light work.
"What are some *easy* ways I can get involved?"
Collect Terracycle to help raise funds.
Donate books to NFOM lending libraries.
Bake cookies for M&M days at the Capitol.
Walk in a parade- wave, hand out information and treats.
Organize or help staff a booth at a health or neighborhood fair.
Create a midwifery display for your local library.
Attend a regional get-together.
Serve on a Nebraska Friends of Midwives committee: PR, Events, Education, Legislation, Fundraising.
Write letters to the editor when newspapers publish articles related to birth or midwifery.
Share your birth story or birth photos on NFOM's blog.
Write to your senator sharing information about midwifery issues.
For more ideas and possibilities, click here.
“Each of us puts in one little stone, and then you get a great mosaic at the end.” -Alice Paul
"Are my donations to NFOM tax deductible?"
Yes, they are deductible on a tentative basis. NFOM has completed the IRS application for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and has been assured by NFOM's expensive attorney that we have been very thorough in the application process and that we now just have to await the official ruling from the IRS. In the unlikely event that donations would not be deductible this year, NFOM will be certain to alert donors for tax filing purposes. The filing process should be completed early in 2012.
I support midwifery Photo Credit: Rachel Howell
Hand-drawn Image Credit: e custom cards
"What is NFOM, and how did it get started?"
Read ALL ABOUT that here!
"I'm just a parent. I don't know enough about ______ (you fill in the blank: the legislative process, anatomy and physiology, speaking in public, etc). Shouldn't I learn more before getting involved?"
There is an abundance of information on this website for those who would like to know more.
But more knowledge is not always necessary. NFOM is a consumer-based grassroots organization existing to represent the desires of consumers. Although the organization seeks and sometimes pays for professional guidance, the steering and legwork is done almost entirely by midwifery supporters and consumers. While doulas, childbirth educators, and midwives certainly belong to the group, most NFOM members and supporters are involved in other pursuits outside the field of birth, such as teaching (or learning!), real estate, personal banking, insurance, farming, illustration, graphic design, and home-making. They share a common knowledge of their own personal reasons for appreciating the benefits of midwifery care and desiring greater access to it for themselves and others. This is the knowledge that has served as a foundation for most who become actively involved. Most of those active in NFOM have found that it is best to get involved and have learned as they've gone.
Not all involvement requires specific knowledge of midwifery or the legislative process. Scanning services, graphic design, and other services are needed and help to advance education, awareness, and legislation. Walking in a parade, collecting Terracycle, and baking cookies require very little expertise or public speaking.
I do want to help raise awareness and see the laws changed, but I am so busy with school/work/family- I don't have much time to give. Does involvement with NFOM take a lot of time?
Some kinds of involvement, like serving on the board, do require a substantial, on-going, less flexible time commitments, and can on occasion require a professional look and child care. Others require less time and allow for extensive flexibility. (Donating money takes two minutes!)
Some work can be done from home while children sleep (like letter writing, blog entries), or with children (like walking in a parade). Some activities can be demanding for a short time, but are then over (like organizing a booth at a neighborhood fair, attending or helping to facilitate a special event, or presenting about midwives in a school). There are board members and regional directors that can help give guidance to whatever kind of participation you choose.
Most important to remember is to do something. Many hands make light work.
"What are some *easy* ways I can get involved?"
Collect Terracycle to help raise funds.
Donate books to NFOM lending libraries.
Bake cookies for M&M days at the Capitol.
Walk in a parade- wave, hand out information and treats.
Organize or help staff a booth at a health or neighborhood fair.
Create a midwifery display for your local library.
Attend a regional get-together.
Serve on a Nebraska Friends of Midwives committee: PR, Events, Education, Legislation, Fundraising.
Write letters to the editor when newspapers publish articles related to birth or midwifery.
Share your birth story or birth photos on NFOM's blog.
Write to your senator sharing information about midwifery issues.
For more ideas and possibilities, click here.
“Each of us puts in one little stone, and then you get a great mosaic at the end.” -Alice Paul
"Are my donations to NFOM tax deductible?"
Yes, they are deductible on a tentative basis. NFOM has completed the IRS application for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and has been assured by NFOM's expensive attorney that we have been very thorough in the application process and that we now just have to await the official ruling from the IRS. In the unlikely event that donations would not be deductible this year, NFOM will be certain to alert donors for tax filing purposes. The filing process should be completed early in 2012.
I support midwifery Photo Credit: Rachel Howell
Hand-drawn Image Credit: e custom cards
