The essential role of midwives is to assist in the delivery of babies. Midwives, though, serve many other functions, from the initial examination of the mother to maintaining her health during pregnancy. The term “midwife,” meaning “with woman” in Old English, provides an apt indication regarding other potential businesses in which midwives might thrive.
Licensed midwives possess skills that could lend themselves to providing enhanced consultant services. Such a service could connect women in need with professional, qualified midwives and doctors with whom they might work in association. A consultant could provide in-depth information gained through interviews of all parties to achieve the optimum match for the expecting mother. Consultant services of this type could also provide a pool of tested babysitters and nannies to assist new mothers.
Certified nurse-midwives could develop a training business that focuses on supplementing the education of those with ambitions of becoming midwives. Requirements for nurse-midwife certification include: possessing a bachelor’s degree or highe; completion of training in nursing and midwifery; passing examination scores and fulfillment of state licensing requirements; and, possible work completed with doctors. In the capacity as trainers, accomplished midwives can coach midwife hopefuls in preparation for taking exams and throughout other requirements.
Midwives can become independent nurse practitioners, employing their knowledge and skills to assist gynecologists with obstetric exams, pap smears and assistance to women in labor. Similarly, midwives can establish businesses based on compiling lists of highly trained nurse practitioners as resources for doctors. Such a professional referral business could include supportive paid advertising from participating practitioners. This business, in addition to others, would require one-on-one interviews and reference checks, as well as some form of protective insurance.
Midwives could develop businesses providing child advocacy that offer services locally, nationally or internationally through organizations such as the United Nations and UNICEF. Child advocates work on behalf of children in need of representation, whether through the courts or through social service agencies. Midwives engaged in this business can partner with other professionals to develop various aspects of child advocacy, including providing children with access to appropriate healthcare services.
