Podcast Explores Sustainable Activist Engagement
A recent podcast analyzed why activist and advocacy movements often suffer from a 'participation gap,' with very few supporters engaging regularly. The discussion suggested making participation more enjoyable and community-oriented, offering a model for professional organizations in healthcare to boost member involvement.
- A recent analysis revealed a global shortage of approximately 980,000 midwives, a deficit that impacts access to essential care before, during, and after pregnancy. The Americas are reported to have the highest proportional shortage of midwives in any region. - In Virginia, recent legislation (HB1923) established insurance reimbursement parity for Licensed Certified Midwives (LCMs) and Licensed Midwives (LMs) at the same rates as Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). Effective July 1, 2025, this law aims to expand maternal care options and address the state's provider shortage. - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35% growth in employment for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners from 2024 to 2034, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. - Approximately 36% of Virginia's counties are considered "maternity care deserts," lacking access to hospitals with obstetric care, birth centers, or certified nurse midwives. New legislation (HB 1904) allows certified nurse midwives and other advanced practice providers to be on 24-hour on-call rosters for nursery care to address these shortages, particularly in rural areas. - Evidence-based practice in midwifery, which integrates the latest research with clinical expertise and patient preferences, has been shown to reduce unnecessary interventions and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. - Emerging digital health technologies, such as remote patient monitoring and electronic health records, are being integrated into midwifery to enhance care. These tools facilitate better monitoring of high-risk pregnancies and improve communication between providers. - In Virginia, several organizations, including the Virginia Affiliate of ACNM and the Virginia Midwives Alliance, actively advocate for the midwifery profession. Their efforts focus on legislative action, public education, and professional development to improve access to midwifery care. - Research indicates that midwifery-led care is associated with lower rates of Cesarean births, reduced labor inductions, and higher rates of breastfeeding.
