2026 Retirement Update
After 40 years of dynamic midwifery practice - clinically, teaching, writing, and engaged in policy work - I am taking time to focus on other aspects of this wonderful thing we call life. I am looking forward to continuing to teach through Nov 13, 2026. After this date, I will continue to be available on a limited basis for consultations and occasional presentations.
In the meantime, I began my sabbatical in October of 2025. I am traveling to some amazing birth centers and meeting with some awesome midwives. A big shout out to Choices in Memphis, the Atlanta Birth Center, Community of Hope in DC, and the Cypher Collective. I'm so impressed by the work that is being done. Thanks for inviting me!
The revisions of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Midwifery & Women’s Health are done and the manuscript is with the publisher. We're in production mode, which means checking every word and looking at page proofs (exciting and very painstaking). The book should be published and out into the world by this fall. I'm especially excited for this - my last - edition and likely the best so far.
I am eager to continue my work love the next months. Next up is a workbook: Suturing for Midwives. This will be a learning guide for new midwives and preceptors. It will go along with a couple of new on-line courses for midwives on suturing that will be out this year from Rutgers University (link coming soon!). I am so grateful for the opportunity to memorialize my many years of teaching in these self-directed courses and the workbook.
The world is filled with uncertainty. Go forward with kindness and let's all work to make our communities warm and welcoming places, especially to the most vulnerable. If you have questions about this major life and career shift, please reach out to me.
My thanks to all of the wonderful families and clinicians who have met me on my midwifery journey. You are such an inspiration to me!
With love,
Nell
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Midwifery and Primary Care, 7th edition
Soon to be out as the 7th Edition with an updated title!
Nell Tharpe & Laura Manns-James, Editors
Heather Bradford, Heidi Fillmore, B.A. Goodrum, Associate Editors
Neel Arant, Assistant Editor
We are grateful for the long list of clinicians who generously contributed their time, energy, and expertise to this edition!
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You're the key to excellence in midwifery practice
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The Heart of Midwifery
The midwife life is a growth experience
I've been offering continuing education programs for midwives since the early 1990's. I am passionate about midwifery and teaching and excellence in midwifery practice. I find joy in mentoring midwives as they grow into dynamic and resourceful practitioners.
We all have dreams of midwifery. Mine have changed from a community clinical practice to sharing knowledge and skills. Midwifery is about listening, about hearing, about guiding. It's about being present as a witness, and working with each person as the expert in their own life. I love learning from each and every midwife and student I encounter.
Nell Tharpe
MS, CNM, FACNM