Research & Evidence

The safety of home birth depends on appropriate client selection, informed decision-making, skilled providers, emergency preparedness, and access to consultation and transfer when necessary.

The midwifery model of care is built upon the understanding that pregnancy and birth are normal physiological processes for most women. Midwives provide individualized care that emphasizes informed decision-making, continuity of care, prevention, education, and respect for the unique needs and preferences of each family.

While their educational pathways and credentials may differ, community midwives are united by a shared commitment to supporting women and families through pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and newborn care while promoting informed choice, professional excellence, and access to maternity care throughout the Commonwealth. Traditional Midwives (TMs) Traditional midwives carry forward generations of community knowledge, apprenticeship, and service, providing care that reflects t

Midwifery is one of the oldest professions in the world and remains a distinct healthcare discipline with its own body of knowledge, educational pathways, standards of practice, and philosophy of care. While midwives frequently collaborate with physicians, nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals, midwifery is not a branch of nursing or medicine. Autonomy and independence: a critical imperative in midwifery Midwives are specialists in normal pregnancy, birth, pos

Every year, thousands of Pennsylvania families choose community-based midwifery care. In 2024 alone, more than 5,600 families received care from community-based midwives.