WHAT IS A CALIFORNIA LICENSED MIDWIFE?
What Is a California
Licensed Midwife?
If you are exploring your options for pregnancy and birth care in California, you may have come across the title Licensed Midwife and wondered what it actually means — and how it differs from a doctor, a nurse midwife, or a doula.
As a California Licensed Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife serving families in Temecula, Murrieta, and throughout Riverside County, I want to give you a clear, honest answer.
The Definition of a California Licensed Midwife
A California Licensed Midwife (LM) is a healthcare provider licensed by the State of California Medical Board to provide independent midwifery care to low-risk pregnant individuals and their newborns. I am Tayna Chessman, LM, CPM (#784), founder of Birthstone Midwifery. I hold both a California Licensed Midwife credential and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) certification from the North American Registry of Midwives — together representing the highest standard of training in the direct-entry midwifery profession.
"Midwifery care is not a lesser alternative to obstetric care — it is a different and often more appropriate model of care for healthy, low-risk pregnancies."
LM vs. CPM — What Is the Difference?
- LM (Licensed Midwife) — A state-level license granted by the California Medical Board, required to legally practice midwifery in California
- CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) — A national certification from NARM demonstrating rigorous standards for education and clinical competency
What Does a California Licensed Midwife Actually Do?
During Pregnancy
- Regular prenatal visits to monitor you and your baby's health
- Ordering and reviewing routine labs and ultrasounds
- Nutritional guidance and supplement recommendations
- Education and informed consent for all aspects of your care
- Birth planning and preparation
During Labor and Birth
- Continuous monitoring of mother and baby throughout labor
- Hands-on support for comfort, positioning, and pain management
- Emergency preparedness — oxygen, IV supplies, hemorrhage medications, neonatal resuscitation equipment
- Full newborn assessment and initial care at birth
After Birth
- Postpartum visits for mother and newborn in your home
- Breastfeeding support and lactation guidance
- Newborn screenings and assessments
- Emotional support during the transition into parenthood
What Is the Difference Between a Midwife and a Doula?
A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support — but is not a medical provider. A Licensed Midwife is your clinical care provider. A doula supports your experience. Both have tremendous value, and many families choose to have both on their birth team.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Midwifery Care?
You may be an excellent candidate for midwifery care if you are in good general health with a normally progressing pregnancy, want more time and autonomy in your birth decisions, and are considering or planning a home birth or birth center birth in Temecula, Murrieta, or the surrounding Riverside County area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Learn More?
If you are exploring midwifery care in Temecula, Murrieta, or Riverside County, I would love to connect. A complimentary consultation gives us time to talk through your pregnancy and your goals.
Schedule Your Free Midwifery Chat →