MMA Basic Course
A Journey into Midwifery
Dedicated to the age old art of Midwifery in its simplest form: The passing of wisdom from one woman to another. We honor and cherish the midwives who continue these traditions.
Midwifery is both an ancient art and an up to date evidenced based health care choice for women and their families. The Massachusetts Midwives Alliance has created a comprehensive course that provides didactic, practical and experiential learning to the next generation of midwives and birth workers. Our challenging and stimulating curriculum combines pre-class self-study with a supportive bi-monthly classroom environment. Our curriculum works best for self-motivated learners who also want to participate in a nurturing classroom environment. Taught by a diverse group of practicing midwives from across Massachusetts who combine the latest research with a respect for womens’ intuitive knowledge, the MMA Basic Midwifery Course provides a rich midwifery training
The MMA Basic Midwifery course uses a unique weekend format, with classes meeting every other Sunday. Class meetings at teacher’s homes and workplaces across the state provide an intimate setting and allow students from across New England to attend. Students complete homework, projects, and readings at home, allowing self-motivated students to do their work when it is convenient for them. Class time is used to synthesize knowledge, practice hands on skills, share experiences and learn from each other using innovative learning methods. Learning is supplemented by an optional on-line classroom. Our supportive staff and thorough curriculum provide students with the necessary tools to progress rapidly in their studies and personalize their education. The MMA Basic Midwifery course includes a weekend doula certification giving students the opportunity to begin to build a doula practice while still enrolled in the course, a great way to integrate their knowledge. Our students have gone on to apprenticeships, clinical programs, nursing school, doula work and other paths.
Why Choose the MMA Basic Course in Midwifery?
- The course was created by midwives, for midwives, and passes along traditional knowledge enhanced by the latest scientific research
- Learn from a diverse group of midwives, with each one bringing her own wisdom and style into the classroom, and supporting you as you develop your own style
- Multifaceted educational approach that uses storytelling, discussion, hands-on experiences and traditional academic methods to engage
- Certification as a birth doula through ToLabor's 3 day doula certification workshop. With this certification, you can choose to build a doula practice, complementing your midwifery knowledge
- In-person guidance and direction from midwives as you practice a variety of hands on skills used in the clinical setting.
- Two Sundays a month format allows you to balance midwifery education with work, family and the rest of your life. Self study approach with support from your teachers allows you to fit your class work into the times that work for you
- Online classroom allows for updates and supplementary activities and resources to enhance your studies.
Graduation Requirements
Students are required to:
- Attend classes
- Attend a Massachusetts Midwives Alliance meeting or event
- Take part in a self-selected extracurricular project or event
- Complete a portfolio
- Participate in a community service project
Course coordinators will work with students to help with any issues meeting these requirements. Please note that while the MMA Basic Midwifery Course is good preparation for apprenticing with a midwife, and will help introduce you to local midwives, we cannot guarantee placement in an apprenticeship at the completion of this program. Please also note that we are not MEAC-accredited at this time. Students who wish to become Certified Professional Midwives will need to complete additional requirements through the North American Registry of Midwives.
For more information, please contact Nechama at motherrootmidwifery@gmail.com