Introduction to Midwifery is currently $399 and includes the Helping Hands ebook. You can enroll online in the AAMI store.

Introduction to Midwifery is a basic survey program for aspiring midwives and those who are investigating the possibility of a future in midwifery. Introduction to Midwifery is the PERFECT prerequisite to any midwifery program. It is not a basic or beginner course, but just as the name implies, an introduction and survey. It is also GREAT review for any midwife and will provide valuable information that will change the way you practice!

The primary required textbook is Helping Hands, The Apprentice Workbook by Carla Hartley (available as an ebook download from our store). Please keep in mind that there are other books and expenses required. Most applicants take 3-6 months to complete the program and the majority of those who complete the Introduction to Midwifery program go on to enroll in the Advanced Midwifery Studies (our 42 month program). Introduction to Midwifery is designed to provide the beginning student with an overview of the art and science of midwifery, as well as an opportunity to document her effort. It is beneficial as a prerequisite or complement to any midwifery course.

Introduction to Midwifery’s academic documentation requirements include:

book reviews :: 2 video reviews (form provided) :: investigation of local resources and a report on the legal climate :: examination of the current literature relating to birth and midwifery :: introduction to statistical analysis of home birth and midwifery data :: assignments in Helping Hands :: textbook survey :: Required Reading :: 100 question Study Test :: post test :: dedicated online study group :: evaluation & certificate.

ITM Certificates include vouchers for tuition discounts for enrollment in Advanced Midwifery Studies.

“I value the Introduction to Midwifery Program, not only for the very valuable information, but also for the organizational skills I am developing. I feel a great deal of self-confidence at having completed it. The material covered in the program gave me an idea of the broad spectrum of skills and information necessary for one to serve birthing women in a competent and compassionate manner.”

“This program covers much more ground than most ‘courses’ I know about. I was really confident about starting the 3-year course after finishing ITM and was glad to find I had already completed some of the requirements!”

“The three year course may not be for everyone, but I think that everyone who wants to be a midwife MUST enroll in Introduction to Midwifery. I know midwives who won’t even consider an apprentice unless she has taken ITM and now I know why!”

"I recently completed another 3 year program, and yet, just getting started on ITM showed me that my 3 year course was lacking! This is such a great way to learn. I wish I had found it first."

Who should take Introduction to Midwifery, AAMI’s 6 month midwifery program?

• Anyone who wants a short term project or commitment. Even experienced midwives will learn a lot with the program. Many doulas and childbirth educators take this course for the purpose of review and ongoing study.
• Anyone who wants to add a certificate to their wall. We have a reputation for excellence that means that any certificate from Ancient Art Midwifery Institute is impressive. Our own graduates have added ITM to their list of credentials.
• Anyone who is not sure that she wants to be a midwife. This course is designed to be a survey and introduction to the kind of information that must be covered in the study of midwifery. We always recommend that aspiring midwives, doulas or childbirth educators who are younger than college age should take Introduction to Midwifery first.

Should I take Introduction to Midwifery first and then apply for Advanced Midwifery Studies? This is a decision only you can make. I usually advise students who are absolutely positive that they want to become a midwife and they are ready for the intense learning experience that our Advanced course has to offer should go ahead and jump right in. If you have any hesitation, start with the 6 month program. If you complete it in 3 months (which is quite possible) there is an additional discount on immediate enrollment in Advanced Midwifery Studies.

Take this quiz - then look up the answers - if you got most of them correct without referring to any text, then maybe you should skip Introduction to Midwifery and consider enrolling in Advanced Midwifery Studies. If you miss several, then, I think that you would not be wasting your time with ITM. However, if you miss one it doesn’t mean that particular question is covered in the course... these test questions are just a representation of the general level of knowledge you would have after ITM.

1-At one month the hands of a newborn are primarily ___ and at 3 months they are primarily ___.
o closed, open
o open, closed

2-Which are true about the ovary:
o the ovary is not attached to the uterus
o produce no hormones on their own
o remains the same size from puberty on
o none, all statements are false

3-A cord which is attached to one side of the placenta is an _______ insertion, a cord attached to the margin is a ______ insertion and if the vessels break up and run into the membrane before reaching the placenta is a _____ insertion.
o eccentric, velamentous, battledore
o battledore, eccentric, velamentous
o eccentric, battledore, velamentous

4-A newborn loses heat through:
o evaporation
o conduction
o convection
o radiation
o insensible water loss through skin, feces, urine, respiration
o all of the above

5-The adrenal glands are situated on top of the
o ovaries
o kidneys
o ureters

6-Collectively, the ovaries, fallopian tubes and supporting ligaments are called
o secundines
o adnexa
o Pouch of Douglas

7-Operculum = mucous plug.
o True
o False

8-Premature separation of the normally implanted placenta is
o placenta accreta
o placenta previa
o placenta percreta
o none of the above

9-On the 3rd day postpartum the fundus should be:
o at or below the umbilicus
o just above the pubic bone

10- The relationship of the fetal head and limbs to its body is called:
o flexion
o attitude

How do I enroll in Introduction to Midwifery?

Complete this form.