National Midwifery Week: Looking at the need in Central California

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Yande Nakazwe has been a registered labor and delivery nurse for 15 years.

She recently earned her master's degree in midwifery from the University of Cincinnati.

Now, she's working on preparing for her exams.

"I'm looking forward to transitioning into that role, and I'm very excited to add myself into the system and to be able to fully provide care on a wider spectrum," she said.

Based out of Dallas, Nakazwe got her medical training experience in Central California while working as a nurse.

She sees the need for midwives in the region.

"There are several opportunities that I see here in the Central Valley, and I would like to be part of the women spearheading this effort," she said.

The California Health Care Foundation reports that in 2023, there were 30 practicing midwives per 10,000 births statewide.

In Central California, it's about 11 practicing midwives per 10,000 births.

Brittany Mbong is a Certified Nurse-Midwife with Black Wellness and Prosperity Center in Downtown Fresno.

She believes midwives are essential to a woman's health care.

"When midwives are integrated into systems of care, midwives decrease c-section rates for hospitals, we increase satisfaction," she said.

According to the California Nurse-Midwives Association, there is only one program that offers a master's in midwifery.

Under State Bill 520, it would create a California Nurse-Midwifery Education Fund, which would help universities grow a master's level program.

"This bill could be a really big part of a solution to our need in the Valley," Mbong said.

The bill is currently on the governor's desk.

Mbong says it's important to grow the midwifery workforce to help meet the healthcare needs for women, not just in Central California, but around the state.

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