Midwives in Washington State

Midwives attend births in a variety of settings, including homes, freestanding birth centers, and hospitals in accordance with the standards of practice of the State of Washington.

Washington State recognizes two separate paths for professional midwives:

• Licensed Midwives (LMs) complete an accredited midwifery program and are licensed by the State of Washington.
  
  
• Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are educated in the two disciplines of nursing and midwifery, are certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and are licensed by the State of Washington.

International Definition of a Midwife     What is a Midwife?