SOME SAY MIDWIFERY IS THE world's oldest profession. You likely know what midwives do: they deliver babies. They have been doing that since the beginning of human history. Throughout the millenniums, midwifery knowledge and skills were passed down from one generation of women to the next. By contrast, today's midwives are highly trained and licensed healthcare professionals with the expertise to help women stay healthy before, during, and after pregnancy. They share a holistic philosophy of care that encourages a more natural approach to childbirth, free of medications, incisions, and other invasive procedures. There are two basic categories for American midwives: certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and direct-entry midwives (DMs). The main difference is the level and type of training. CNMs are registered nurses (RNs) who have earned a graduate level degree in midwifery. Their nursing training allows them to provide a broad range of services. A CNM can be a primary caregiver, managing a woman's health throughout her lifespan from adolescence through menopause. In fact, CNMs only spend about 10 percent of their work time on dealing with childbirth. DMs are also highly trained, but they are not nurses. They are limited by what they can do and therefore, focus solely on the childbearing process. The vast majority of midwives are CNMs. Though the requirements and procedures vary, every state licenses CNMs. Most work in hospitals and that is also where most babies delivered by midwives are born. By contrast, DMs account for only 10 percent of midwives. A number of states prohibit their practice and they rarely work in hospitals. They largely work in settings outside of formal medical care facilities, including women's homes. In many areas of the country, they are welcomed because their services are badly needed.Both CNMs and DMs are in demand and the future looks exceptionally good. Women of all backgrounds are rejecting the outdated notion that childbirth is a pathology that requires medical intervention. The result is a projected increase of over 30 percent in jobs for midwives in the coming years, which is four times greater than the average job growth rate for all occupations combined. Demand will be higher in inner cities and rural areas, but opportunities are everywhere. The level of salaries typically follows the level of demand and midwifery is no exception. American midwives earn a comfortable living with a median annual income of $100,000. Individual earnings vary by location, training, work setting, and other factors. The salary range of the majority is between $80,000 and $120,000. Midwifery is an ancient practice that combines old wisdom and current scientific research. It is a messy business that can be exhausting and stressful at times. Bringing beautiful new babies into the world is a vocation that offers unique rewards to those who answer the call.