For those unaware, a midwife is a healthcare professional specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care for women. They provide comprehensive care, including prenatal checkups, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care for both the mother and newborn. Midwives also offer family planning, preconception care, and general gynecological services.
There are various types of midwives, including Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Certified Midwives (CMs), and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), each with specific training and qualifications. Midwives may practice in various settings, including hospitals, birth centers, and homes, partnering in the birthing experience, offering expertise, support, and personalized care to women during this significant life event.
They emphasize a natural and holistic approach to birth, supporting the physiological process while also utilizing medical interventions when needed. Midwives prioritize the individual needs and preferences of the birthing person, fostering a collaborative relationship and shared decision-making, often working in collaboration with physicians, particularly in cases where complications arise during pregnancy or childbirth.
A new study has revealed the top U.S. states where the gap between the number of births and the availability of midwives is alarmingly high, putting mothers and their newborns at risk.
Quick Highlights:
- Mississippi tops the list with 78.66 births per midwife, over 220% higher than the national average of 24.5.
- Alabama follows closely with a 73.99 to 1 ratio, indicating severe strain on maternal health services.
- The top 10 states exceed the national average births-to-midwife ratio of 24.5.
The recent research analyzed the average monthly births from January to May 2023 and the number of certified midwives in each state as of May 2023. By dividing the monthly births by the number of midwives, the births-to-midwife ratio was identified for each state.
Top 10 U.S. states with the highest births-to-midwife ratio
- Mississippi – 78.66 to 1
- Alabama – 73.99 to 1
- Arkansas – 57.33 to 1
- Louisiana – 52.96 to 1
- Oklahoma – 52.16 to 1
- Texas – 50.01 to 1
- Nevada – 39.25 to 1
- Missouri – 39.18 to 1
- North Dakota – 38.07 to 1
- Nebraska – 36.49 to 1
Top 10 State Highlights:
Mississippi leads the nation in Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) shortages, with a troubling births-to-midwife ratio of 78.66 to 1. This is 221% above the national average of 24.5. Magnolia State’s monthly average birth rate of 2,753 between January and May 2023 is below the national average (5,767), yet it far outpaces the number of certified midwives, which stands at just 35 as of May 2023.
With a births-to-midwife ratio of 73.99 to 1, Alabama faces the second-highest midwife shortage in the nation. This is 202% above the national average of 24.5. Every month, the Yellowhammer State sees an average of 4,662 births. With only 63 certified midwives available, the state’s midwifery workforce is overwhelmed and unable to meet the increasing demand for maternal care.
Arkansas ranks third, with a births-to-midwife ratio of 57.33 to 1. This is 134% above the national average of 24.5. The state’s monthly average of 2,809 births may be lower than the national average, but with only 49 certified midwives, the shortage remains a critical concern.
With a births-to-midwife ratio of 52.96 to 1, Louisiana struggles with the fourth-highest midwife shortage in the country. This is 116% above the national average of 24.5. On average, the state records 4,395 births each month. With only 83 certified midwives to serve these growing numbers, the state’s maternal care system is under substantial pressure.
Oklahoma ranks fifth in terms of midwife shortages, with a ratio of 52.16 births per midwife. This is 113% above the national average of 24.5. While the state’s monthly average of 3,860 births remains below the national figure, the limited number of 74 certified midwives indicates a significant gap in maternal healthcare resources.
Texas, with one of the highest overall birth rates, is grappling with the sixth-highest midwife shortage across the nation, reflected in its 50.01 to 1 births-to-midwife ratio. This is 104% above the national average of 24.5. Every month, the Lone Star State welcomes approximately 30,658 newborns, but with only 613 certified midwives available, providing adequate maternal care poses a significant challenge.
Nevada ranks seventh with a births-to-midwife ratio of 39.25 to 1. This is 60% above the national average of 24.5. Despite a relatively modest monthly average of 2,551 births, the state’s shortage of certified midwives—just 65 in total—raises serious concerns regarding timely and comprehensive maternal care.
Missouri ranks eighth with the births-to-midwife ratio at 39.18 to 1, marking a 60% increase above the national average of 24.5. The Show-Me State sees approximately 5,368 births each month. With only 137 certified midwives available to serve mothers and their newborns, critical gaps in maternal care and attention persist.
Taking the ninth spot, North Dakota reports a births-to-midwife ratio of 38.07 to 1. This is 55% above the national average of 24.5. Although the state’s monthly average of around 799 births is relatively low, the availability of just 21 certified midwives has led to a critical shortage.
With a births-to-midwife ratio of 36.49 to 1, Nebraska rounds out the top ten with a shortage situation 49% above the national average of 24.5. Each month, the Cornhusker State welcomes approximately 1,970 newborns. However, with merely 54 certified midwives, the state’s maternal care system struggles to maintain high standards of care.
Table of Extended Results:
Looking at the study, a spokesperson commented:
“States like Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas have a particularly concerning births-to-midwife ratio, with Mississippi leading at 78.66 births per midwife. This shortage puts expectant mothers at risk, as there aren’t enough midwives to provide essential care during pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, complications like delayed interventions or inadequate monitoring can increase, affecting both maternal and neonatal health.”
“To tackle this issue, states need more trained midwives. Offering incentives like scholarships, loan forgiveness, and competitive salaries could attract people to the profession. Increasing access to midwifery education and promoting diversity in the field would help ensure all mothers receive the quality care they deserve.”
Methodology
The study gathered the average monthly births from January to May 2023 using data from the CDC and the number of certified midwives from the American Midwifery Certification Board in each state as of May 2023. By dividing the monthly births by the number of midwives, the births-to-midwife ratio for each state was identified to rank them based on midwife shortage.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk using information provided by Rhoda Amoako on behalf of the Birth Injury Lawyers Group based in Phoenix, Arizona, serving 39 states.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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