College of Midwives of Manitoba
 

Education Principles

Midwifery Education must:

  1. be grounded in the philosophy and principles of midwifery as consistent with the "Manitoba Midwifery Model of Practice" as laid out by the College of Midwives;*

  2. be based on an understanding of childbirth as a natural life process that usually does not require intervention* thus focusing on the normalcy of the childbearing cycle;

  3. recognize that midwives are the best persons to teach the practice of midwifery and the importance of integrating the practice and teaching of midwifery;

  4. utilize midwifery educators who maintain active practice in institutional and community settings;*

  5. recognize relevant skills and experience gained through a variety of means;*

  6. develop and reinforce critical thinking, decision making skills and analysis and application of research findings necessary for independent practice;*

  7. be structured to be accessible, flexible, socially and culturally sensitive to the needs of individual students;*

  8. foster and recognize the life long ability to learn and change, and the value of continuing education,* self evaluation and peer review;

  9. integrate theoretical and practical learning within a competency based model, complemented by sufficient midwifery practice in a variety of settings;*

  10. foster collaboration and the development of partnerships among midwives and between midwives and other health care providers;*

  11. develop skills in students which promote client oriented, woman centered, socially and culturally sensitive care that meets the needs of the client;*

  12. be offered in a variety of locations and modalities;

  13. facilitate students' progression through the program;

  14. promote portability of midwifery credentials across Canada and North America.

* Derived from Alberta's education principles as outlined in "Recommendations for Midwifery Qualifications, Education and Assessment" and Guiding Principles of Midwifery Education in Ontario in "Report of the Curriculum Design Committee on the Development of Midwifery Education in Ontario"