Midwife? Doula? Something else?

[Pferdenuts]

A registered nurse has less requirements then a BMID to complete for registration.

Not in the degrees I researched. 700 hours for BMid. 900 hours for RN. I don't know how they got it approved. This is in NSW mind you. Others are a bit better, but again, the approval process is changing with this new board and a lot of it doesn't make sense. In the health district I work, even the regional hospitals will not take RM only. There are plenty of RN/RMs coming through, we just graduated a class of 50 with 88 following. It's getting bigger and bigger, at least in the Eastern states! Agree on the doula part - they are trying to make doulas illegal after some homebirth incidents, so it probably isn't worth it until that's all resolved.

Oh, and I hate old man balls too, lol.

Not sure how your ranting "again" when it is your first post?

Other forums. I'm not exactly silent on the subject. What does that matter to you anyway?

[My Three Sons]

It absolutely depends on which state you are in. NSW is probably a little slower than the other states in regards to BMID. I believe in QLD Postgrad is actually on it's way out, and they will be expected to complete the BMID (I assume with a fair few credits) if they wish to become midwives. That is my understanding anyway.
FWIW- I just finished my BMID, and I had to do WELL over 1000 hours of clinical. I had 1150 ish I believe PLUS my follow through hours, which are quite substantial also. Clinical/ Prac hours are not the only on the job experience hours required when you do BMID- follow through or continuity of care journeys are a MASSIVE component. I had 80 hours on a special care placement, however we also managed some unwell babies in their mothers rooms, so these were also added to our sick babies unit. We spent a LOT of 2nd year on other medical issues that may complicate pregnancy (Or pregnancy may complicate the health issues) and I feel confident in the learning I have received. Having worked with many midwives, I can honestly say, that you can't tell who is from which background after a year or 2 unless you ask them!
I think most people truly believe the way they are doing it is the best way- but really, we are all qualified to work in a profession, so stop trying to say that one is better than the other- we all have our place no matter how we get there! We wouldn't be qualified or registered if we were unsafe to practice!