How to Start a Midwifery Center

AABC is developing an online course for an international audience that will provide a foundation for starting an evidence-based midwifery center (also known as a birth center).

Curriculum Overview

Section 1. Overview

An introduction to the midwifery center model of care. This section includes definitions, philosophy and purpose, outcomes and impact, standards, and sample outline of care.

Section 2. Planning

What is needed to start a midwifery center in your community? This section includes a look at suggested midwifery center regulations, developing relationships with stakeholders, and how to make the case for midwifery center in your community.

Section 3. Organizational Structure

How will you structure your organization? This section includes a review of different organizational models.

Section 4. Financial Management

A comprehensive review of the financial management of a midwifery center. This section includes topics such as developing a business plan, funding sources, creating budgets, pricing your services for sustainability, and how to connect to universal health care.

Section 5. Collaboration

Collaboration is a key piece of the midwifery center model. This section includes discussion of midwifery scope of practice, referral pathways, working with other health care providers, and transfer of care.

Section 6. Marketing

Marketing is the foundation of a successful midwifery center. This section includes an overview of marketing concepts, how to reach the populations you will serve, and evaluating your efforts.

Section 7. Human Resources

How will you staff your midwifery center? This section reviews midwifery staffing models, requirements for safety, staff well-being, and other considerations.

Section 8. Facility, Equipment and Supplies

What will your midwifery center look like? This section discusses site selection considerations, design principles, and provides a review of equipment and supplies for safe care.

Section 9. The Health Record

This section review the importance of charting and discusses options maintaining health records in the midwifery center setting.

Section 10. Research and Statements

The midwifery center model is based in evidence. This section reviews research on the model and the importance of data collection.

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