The Ancient Art Midwifery Studies Program is broken up into two phases.

• Midwifery – history, legalities, politics
• Local resources – midwives, childbirth educators, doulas, lactation consultants, etc.
• Unassisted birth
• Basic anatomy & physiology
• Embryology & fetal development
• Ultrasound
• Nutrition

• Section 1

  introduces the student to the terminology requisite of an in-depthstudy of midwifery. Completion of this section will familiarize the student with related obstetric and medical terminology, increase comprehension, facilitate research skills, and improve reading speed of technical data. Assignments from a terminology textbook or a college level terminology course are also required. Once this section is complete, students are required to take a Terminology Proficiency Exam. (Students with previous education and/or experience may opt to “test out”of some of the work in this section by completing the exam first.)

• Section 2

  is designed to familiarize the student with available resources, encourage careful note-taking and documentation, emphasize the importance of critical reading and comparison of information, and increase awareness of available reading material and its value for expectant parents. Requirements are met by keeping a detailed reading record, evaluating and using scientific studies, writing two book critiques, and evaluating conference session recordings.

• Section 3

  is the supplemental studies section. Students choose assignments from a list of hands-on requirements and a list of intensive study modules. This section allows students a little flexibility in tailoring their education towards their personal interests and/or specialties.

• Section 4

  is designed to increase technical knowledge. Careful reading and comparison of material from several required texts is emphasized as the student is encouraged to challenge ‘facts’ or opinions and reference other sources.

• Section 5

  requires 50 files for research; 10 research projects, papers, or study modules must be submitted. An audit of other files is conducted by telephone. In addition to enhancing research skills and greatly increasing knowledge in specific areas, this section will help illuminate areas of weakness and special interest for each student. The student will also learn to create a compendium of information on any topic that can later be used to provide material for articles or information sheets.

• Section 6

  is a more eclectic section: approximately 175 assignments, including worksheets, diagrams and projects. This section is designed to fill in the gaps, increase comprehension of difficult concepts, review important subjects, solidify knowledge, identify specific problems inherent to the practice of midwifery, and recognize the needs of the childbearing community. Work in this section will also provoke consideration of related issues and their relevance to a midwifery practice and encourage community service and the promotion of midwifery (public relations). Basic business practices are covered. The curriculum also provides ideas for enhancing working relationships with clients and peers. Section 6 assignments encourage aggressive investigation of resources and inspire further study in areas of interest. A curriculum vitae or résumé must also be submitted (we include detailed instructions). Several topical exams are required in this section (see below).