Birthwise Midwifery School
At Birthwise Midwifery School, we train midwives to provide compassionate prenatal, birth and reproductive health care that’s based on tradition and scientific evidence. Our direct-entry midwifery program is MEAC-accredited. You don’t need a college degree to apply. We prepare you to sit for the North American Registry of Midwives exam to earn the Certified Professional Midwife credential. We lead midwives to a practice that values the diversity of all birthing people -- and honors the spiritual, aesthetic and personal significance of childbirth.
Choose Your Program
We offer two options for our direct-entry midwifery program: an on-site Campus Option in Bridgton, Maine, and a low-residency Community Option. You’ll receive the same didactic and hands-on education in both programs.
Campus Option
Admissions are now open
Study midwifery in a rigorous academic program on our Bridgton, Maine campus for 20 months, followed by 18 months of hands-on training with a preceptor midwife in your community.
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Admissions open soon
Benefit from the Birthwise curriculum without relocating to Maine. You’ll work with a midwife in your community while attending an orientation week, then 10 intensive two-week-long academic sessions on campus.
Learn MoreView our event calendar for Virtual Open Houses, community meetings and other events
About Birthwise
Birthwise Midwifery School was founded in 1994 to provide formal education and a path to certification for direct-entry midwives. We envision a world where every person has access to safe and empowering midwifery care that is representative of them and their community.
Learn MoreWhat is a Midwife?
A midwife provides safe, nurturing pregnancy and birth care. We train midwives in the Midwives Model of Care©, which defines pregnancy and birth as normal life events. Our midwifery program prepares you to sit for the NARM exam and earn the Certified Professional Midwife credential.
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Doula Training Program
Birthwise requires all incoming students to have training as a doula -- a non-medical practitioner who assists with the birthing experience. We partner with Birthing Gently to bring doula training to our campus at the beginning of each student cohort.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
What makes Birthwise different? What qualities are we looking for in our students? What is a preceptorship? How about financial aid and scholarships? Get answers to these questions and more.
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Bridgton, Maine
Birthwise is located in the quaint and beautiful town of Bridgton, Maine. Bridgton is located about an hour northwest of Portland in the stunning Maine lake country. Bridgton, with a population of about 5,000, is a quintessential New England town.
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