Bristol / Vermont / United States
We believe that the study of midwifery is a self-motivated and organic process, springing forth from the fertile ground of community and family. Just as there have always been and will always be birthing women, so the midwife is called into practice. We recognize and value the tradition of the midwifery learning cycle: knowledge being passed from woman to woman, experienced midwife to apprentice. We believe birth is a transformational process with its own intrinsic value for personal growth and development. We support woman-centered birth and seek to uphold the right of each woman to define her needs and identify her support system. While the midwife sets parameters of safety, it is the birthing woman who, through the process of informed consent, makes her own decisions regarding the care of herself and her baby. It is our purpose to prepare midwives for the scope of practice outlined by MANA Core Competencies, North American Registry of Midwives Certification guidelines, California Midwifery Licensing requirements, and the joint mission statement of the Midwives Alliance of North America and the American College of Nurse Midwives:
