Midwives are prepared for the scope of practice outlined by the MANA Core Competencies, North American Registry of Midwives Certification Guidelines, and the joint mission statement of the Midwives Alliance of North America and the American College of Nurse-Midwives which is:"The entry level midwife is a primary health care professional who independently provides care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum period for women and newborns within their communities. Services provided by the midwife include education and health promotion. With additional education and experience, the midwife may provide well-women gynecological care, including family planning services. When the care rquired extends beyond the midwife's abilities, the midwife has a mechanism for consultation, referral and continued involvement.".