Each year MANA presents the Sage Femme award to honor a Grand Midwife, past or present, who has practiced the art of midwifery over many years and whose wisdom, perseverance and dedication serves as an inspiration to all midwives now and into the future. The Sapling award is presented each year to a new midwife who has shown exceptional passion and leadership as she continues her journey of learning and service to families and birth.

“Every community should have their own midwife. Someone who understands their culture, who they already trust, who is a part of their community, who they’ve known since they were children.” ~ Umm Salaamah “Sondra” Abdullah-Zaimah, MN, CNM, CPM