2026 Retirement Update
After 40 years of dynamic midwifery practice - clinically, teaching, writing, and engaged in policy work - I am letting go of midwifery and focusing on other aspects of this wonderful thing we call Life.
I am teaching through Nov 13, 2026. After this date, I will continue to be available on a limited basis for consultations and occasional speaking engagements.
In 2027, I'll be hosting a few summer sessions for preceptors and faculty on teaching suturing. My dream is that every midwifery education program offers on-going education on repair and healing of birth-related tissue trauma.
Over the last year, I have been 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, the Cypher Collective, and Birth Detroit. I'm so impressed by the work that is being done. Thanks for inviting me!
The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Midwifery & Primary Care is now available! I'm especially excited for this - my last - edition and the support it will bring to midwives in practice.
I am eager to continue the work I love the next months. Next up is a workbook: Suturing for Midwives, a learning guide for new midwives and preceptors. It will go hand-in-hand with upcoming on-line courses for midwives on suturing 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
Now Available!!!
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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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