American College of Nurse-Midwives

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sister Angela Murdaugh FSM, CNM, FACNM, a trailblazer in midwifery. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on September 15, 1940, Sr. Angela dedicated her life to improving maternal care and empowering women through compassionate, skilled midwifery. She passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, after transitioning to hospice care for congestive heart failure. Sr. Angela's leadership extended beyond the clinic. She was president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives from 1981 to 1983 and co-founded Texas’s first ACNM chapter in 1974 alongside several other midwifery leaders. Her work in legislative and administrative arenas was equally groundbreaking. She played a key role in defining the legal basis for midwifery practice in Texas, helping to author the Texas Birth Center Rules and Regulations in 1986. Her advocacy led to nurse-midwives being recognized as Medicaid providers, and she proudly received the first Medicaid provider number issued to a certified nurse-midwife in Texas. Her commitment to education was a hallmark of her career. Sr. Angela developed one of the first midwifery fellowships in the United States, mentoring over 100 nurse-midwives and fostering a legacy of clinical excellence. Sr. Angela’s influence on midwifery and healthcare will be felt for generations to come. Her unwavering dedication to serving marginalized communities and advancing the profession of midwifery has left an indelible mark on Texas and beyond. It was Sister Angela's wish that if people desired?to donate money in her honor, she wanted the donations to be directed to?3 selected midwifery organizations: Holy Family Services, ACNM Foundation, and AABC Foundation. Rest in peace, Sr. Angela Murdaugh. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives you touched.

Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day! The National Office is closed today in observance of the holiday. We will get back to you tomorrow!

Our Midwife of the Week is Amy Romano, MBA, MSN, CNM, FACNM. Amy is a maternity care leader focused on care model innovation, community-integrated care, and quality improvement. With a clinical background as a nurse-midwife, she has spent her career working to improve maternity care and has particular expertise in primary prevention of cesarean and preterm birth, midwife-led and collaborative care models, shared decision making, and quality improvement. Amy is the Founder and CEO of Primary Maternity Care, a consulting services company focused on strengthening community-based care models to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce disparities. Amy also co-authored Optimal Care in Childbirth: The Case for a Physiologic Approach, which was named Book of the Year by the American College of Nurse-Midwives in 2013. Members can learn more about Amy in the Weekly CEO Update email.

This presentation will examine emerging evidence about potential epigenetic effects of care practices and interventions in childbirth. The thrifty phenotype hypothesis poses that there are critical windows of development both in utero and childhood which are associated with development of disease later in life. For example, poor nutrition of the fetus and infant during early development programs gene expression and the metabolic profile of the offspring to anticipate a life of starvation. The programming, meant to be protective, becomes hazardous later in life and can be passed onto future generations. The EPIIC hypothesis posits that eustress during the window of the actual labor and birth is protective by assuring that the hormonal physiology is supported and undisturbed. Register now and see the entire National Midwifery Week schedule at: https://lnkd.in/eGzqbKpx

The 2024 election reflects a stark crossroads in the investment in women's health, maternal child health and health information technology. The speaker will highlight the policy and funding gaps in the Office of the National Coordinator (now Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy) federal policy framework for pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. The speaker will provide non-partisan recommendations on practical HITECH policy and funding that would benefit federal, state, and employers, while centering women's self-determination and privacy. Register now and see the entire National Midwifery Week schedule at: https://lnkd.in/eGzqbKpx

This dynamic panel brings together outstanding midwives and midwifery innovators to explore how community led thinking and bold strategies are showcasing what’s possible in maternal and reproductive care. From leveraging social media and digital tools to creating inclusive community led, community birth models that address inequities, we’ll dive into real-world solutions and fresh ideas that are exploring the boundaries of the healthcare system. Panelists will share success stories, practical advice for implementation, and visions for the future, inspiring attendees to become change-makers in their own practices. Register now and see the entire National Midwifery Week schedule at: https://lnkd.in/eGzqbKpx

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving with new technologies, treatments, and evidence-based practices. Innovation Day is an exploration of the current advanced approaches to sexual and reproductive healthcare. It’s also a day to discuss the future of midwifery and the way forward in our current healthcare system: https://lnkd.in/eGzqbKpx

Here's your sneak peek at the schedule of events for Friday, Innovation Day of National Midwifery Week ???? Each day of National Midwifery Week will feature opportunities for education and connection, and ACNM Members can attend events this week for FREE and receive CEs: https://lnkd.in/gachrvy

This presentation will provide an introduction to osteoporosis, including pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. There will be emphasis on prevention and the importance of early detection and management to prevent fractures and associated morbidity and mortality. By the end of the lecture, participants should have a basic understanding of osteoporosis, from its underlying mechanisms to the latest treatment options and preventive strategies. Register now and see the entire National Midwifery Week schedule at: https://lnkd.in/eGzqbKpx

Female sexual health after the age of 60 encompasses a range of physical, emotional, and psychological factors that can influence sexual well-being.?This webinar will foster learning and provide tools for understanding changes in sexual health in a menopausal woman and will use case scenarios for practical conversations for addressing: common concerns and testing, dispelling myths both for the women seeking care and the provider, exploring solutions and treatments for basic sexual dysfunction, encouraging open communication while promoting emotional and psychological well-being. Register now and see the entire National Midwifery Week schedule at: https://lnkd.in/eGzqbKpx