The Treasure Coast Chapter of American College of Nurse MidwivesWork to Empower Women during National Midwifery Week, October 1-7, 2006

The Treasure Coast Chapter of American College of Nurse Midwives and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) invite the public to learn about midwifery during National Midwifery Week, October 1-7, 2006.

Midwifery Week is a chance for midwives and the women they serve to reflect on their experiences and midwifery's contributions to women's health care, from attending births to well woman health care. The local OB Gyn groups in Martin, St Lucie and Indian River counties and the Health Department in Martin County all include Certified Nurse Midwives on their staff of women's health care providers.

The American College of Nurse Midwives plans to increase public awareness of Midwifery Week and the contributions made by midwives through establishing the Treasure Coast Chapter of American College of Nurse Midwives. There are more than 15 nurse midwives in active practice in Martin and St Lucie counties. The Treasure Coast has the highest number of nurse midwives in active practice than any other area in Florida. The Treasure Coast Chapter of American College of Nurse Midwives will elect officers, plan monthly meetings to network, plan events and share experiences as the population growth of the Treasure Coast increases.

"Through our activities this week, we will educate, inform and empower women in the Treasure Coast", said Angela Liverman, CNM. "Midwifery Week is a time to recognize the contributions midwives make on women's health within our community. 70% of the routine deliveries in Martin County in 2005 were attended by Certified Nurse Midwives and we are busier than ever. "

In the year 2000, Florida nurse midwives celebrated 30 years of dedicated service. The state's first nurse midwifery service was established in 1970 through a federally funded program at the University of Miami aimed at reducing the high maternal and infant mortality rates in the South. There are more than 500 nurse midwives in active practice in Florida. Florida nurse midwives attended 22,934 births or 11.2% of Florida births in the 2002.

Midwifery Week is supported by ACNM, its members, physicians, and women's and public health organizations across the nation. For more information, visit www.midwife.org or contact Cassandra Garcia, CNM at (772) 215-6528.