FROM THE DIRECTOR

QUESTION

Answer: Doula certification is a formal credentialing process through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that establishes minimum standards for training, knowledge, and professional conduct for DPH-certified doulas. It is voluntary and free. Certification is not required to practice as a doula in Massachusetts. DPH doula certification is separate from the MassHealth Doula Services Program. Apply now!

For more questions on eligibility, application requirements, and how to apply, visit mass.gov/info-details/doula-initiative.

Send us your questions! We’ll feature frequently asked questions in a future newsletter.



Subject line: CBDI Questions;

Direct to: schang@edc.org

"The hands-on learning dynamic between students, preceptors and clients that occurs during clinical rotations is invaluable. This is where midwives in training learn to listen, observe, touch, communicate, plan and deliver care. Comprehensive midwifery training should include learning to provide care in various settings, including birth centers, mobile clinics, and clients homes. In these settings, students learn how to spend more time with clients and families, how to build relationships and maintain continuity, how to step into individualized care and meet clients where they feel most comfortable. "

"Robust, safe and varied clinical learning experiences are vital for the training of new midwives, and the lack thereof is one of the major obstacles in development of a skilled, diverse midwifery workforce. Unfortunately, clinical opportunities are limited throughout the region, especially those in a community setting. Our local hospitals do not offer 24/7 full-scope midwifery care, homebirth volume remains relatively low, and we do not have a birth center (yet!) at which to train. Limited midwifery care means limited midwifery training opportunities, so students are pushed to travel in order to train, to compete for positions and to take hours at sites that are not an appropriate fit. How can we expect midwives to provide options for evidence-based, individualized care if they are not able to train in a variety of settings and styles? If you can’t see it, you can’t be it."

"Birth centers can plan to meet both of these goals by incorporating students in the care team relationship with clients throughout the care cycle, and by hiring and supporting staff midwives who are passionate about precepting When students and sites can plan committed integration experiences, students can develop appropriate rapport with clients. This results in strong learning experiences for students and preceptors, and satisfying care for clients who feel the benefits of a cohesive care team. "

"Our midwifery center will grow a culture of learning, where local students can experience safe, high-quality training by serving their neighbors alongside skilled midwives who also love to teach. Our facility is being designed with learning in mind, creating spaces intended to welcome and support learners who join our team for a season in their journey. From places to store their bags to places to confer in private with preceptors and other students, even ensuring there are enough seats in each room to provide comfort for the whole team. We also plan to build a care team of midwives from various training routes, so students will be able to work alongside a diverse team of mentors."

"GCC is currently developing two education and training pathways for certified professional midwives (CPMs) in Massachusetts: 1) a menu of non-credit continuing education courses (CEUs) for currently practicing CPMs to hone essential emergency care skills that will ensure safe and equitable care for birthing people, and 2) a full Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in midwifery for those seeking to earn the national CPM credential. GCC is seeking Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) accreditation for both pathways."

"In 2024, several deeply connected CPMs, who also serve as midwifery educators, approached GCC leadership regarding the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to create clear pathways to state licensure for CPMs. They saw the need for increased access to training and education pathways for new and practicing midwives, and their observations aligned with our findings when we began to explore this gap in our region. Increasing access to a strong pipeline of trained, licensed midwives is among the goals of the MA DPH's new Maternal Health Access and Birthing Safety Task Force. Chapter 186 of the Acts of 2024 promotes access to midwifery care and community birth options, which in turn will grow the demand for midwife-assisted births in MA, reinforcing the need for more in-state MEAC-accredited training options, especially those that prioritize opportunities for hands-on skill building. Graduates of GCC’s program will be able to apply for licensure in MA."

"These two pathways are designed to meet the needs of every current and future professional midwife across the Commonwealth: those currently practicing and in need of professional development and/or a pathway to state licensure when the time comes, as well as those interested in exploring the field for the first time through an AAS degree program. Hands-on experience through the clinic courses, which require attending and eventually assisting births with practicing midwives throughout the region, will be a key element of the AAS degree, making community-based practice at the core of the program. 

This program has been in development since 2024, and collaborators have included practicing and retired midwives, GCC faculty members, maternal health advocates, doulas, healthcare professionals, and so many more collaborators from nearly every corner of this vital field. This broad tapestry of contributors has ensured that GCC’s curriculum builds the required knowledge and addresses the highest-need skill gaps that the regional midwife community has observed in recent years. These programs wouldn’t be possible without the collective experience and expertise of so many different voices and perspectives."

"The continuing education workshops have been developed, and nearly all have been approved by the accrediting body, MEAC. We are awaiting updates at the state level before launching those professional development courses. Our goal is that these CEUs will stack into a Bridge Certificate for practicing midwives seeking state licensure in addition to their national certification. The full degree program is likely at least a year and a half away from implementation, if not more, given the many layers of rigorous review and approval required of new degree programs. GCC will continue to offer updates via our website and typical communication channels, and I’m always available to field questions."

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