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.
Newly Credentialed Midwife
Newly Credentialed Midwives certified within the past two years by another NCCA-accredited agency, newly licensed midwives, and nurse midwives must meet specific qualifications to attain Certified Direct Entry Midwife (CDEM) certification. These qualifications include successfully completing the written examination for CDEM certification.
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.