National Fellowship of Direct Entry Midwives
Excellence in Certification, Tradition in Practice
WELCOME
The National Fellowship of Direct-Entry Midwives (NFDEM) establishes a new benchmark in credentialing for direct-entry midwifery. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence in maternal and newborn care while honoring the trusted traditions of midwifery practice through the Certified Direct Entry Midwife (CDEM) credential.
CDEM
Certified Direct Entry Midwife
Childbirth is a sacred and transformative moment—a time when the strength of women, the sanctity of life, and the bonds of family converge in the most profound way. For centuries, midwives have been the guardians of this sacred journey, offering their wisdom, skill, and compassion to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers and babies.
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The National Fellowship of Direct-Entry Midwives (NFDEM) was founded to honor this timeless tradition while meeting the demands of a modern, ever-evolving world. Rooted in Judeo-Christian values, our fellowship stands as a beacon of excellence, dedicated to preserving the art and science of midwifery and advancing its vital role in maternal and newborn care. Through the Certified Direct Entry Midwife (CDEM) credential, we uphold rigorous standards that reflect the highest level of excellence in midwifery practice. Together, we honor the sacred trust placed in midwives, advancing access to skilled care and shaping a future where every mother, baby, and family thrives.
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The Certified Direct Entry Midwife (CDEM) credential reflects comprehensive training and preparation to provide the full scope of midwifery care. CDEMs demonstrate a strong knowledge base, practical clinical experience, proven skills proficiency, and a dedicated commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the women and families they serve.
Experienced Midwife
The National Fellowship of Direct Entry Midwives (NFDEM) highly values the contributions of experienced midwives dedicated to serving their communities. We deeply respect the knowledge and wisdom you bring to direct-entry midwifery practice.
Experienced midwives seeking to be credentialed as a Certified Direct Entry Midwife (CDEM) must demonstrate their competency and commitment to professional standards by fulfilling several key requirements and includes successfully completing the written examination for CDEM certification.
The Bridge Program for CPMs
The Certified Direct Entry Midwife (CDEM) Bridge Program offers a pathway for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) working primarily out-of-hospital to advance their credentials and achieve CDEM certification. This program recognizes the dedication CPMs have already shown through their education and clinical experience and is designed to ensure they meet rigorous standards of safe, respectful, and evidence-informed care. The Bridge Program emphasizes both the art and science of midwifery, requiring participants to engage in thorough reflection, documentation, and demonstration of their qualifications.
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By completing the Bridge Program, midwives not only affirm their knowledge and skills but also their commitment to professional growth and the sacred responsibility they hold in supporting families. This process respects the independence of midwifery practice while providing a structured framework to uphold the integrity and safety of the profession. Earning the CDEM credential through this pathway is a significant milestone, marking readiness for greater responsibilities and continued development in this transformative field.
The Aspiring Midwife
The Aspiring Midwife enjoys the Proficiency Program with is structured into three progressive stages: Beginner Tier, Intermediate Tier, and Advanced Tier. Each stage encompasses specific requirements for education, clinical experience—including birth attendance—and skill proficiency, ultimately preparing candidates to qualify for the Certified Direct Entry Midwife (CDEM) examination.