Ever heard of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative (IMBCI)? (Of course you have!) Do you know who is behind the initiative and what its goals are? Well, let's see: The IMBCI is the maintained brainchild of the non-profit, NGO, International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization a project initiated by the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS). The IMBCI is a wellness-based model of perinatal care that encourages provision by midwives for normal pregnancy, labor and birth services, with referral to specialists only when the situation warrants. It acknowledges mother and baby as an inseparable dyad (thus, MotherBaby) and encourages treatments that ALWAYS take into account downstream physical and psychological effects on both entities. In their 10 Steps to Optimal MotherBaby Maternity Services, informed consent, evidence-based maternity car, and collaboration amongst various disciplines, institutions and organizations are all encouraged. As is encouragement of achieving the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding outlined in the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

Who is behind the work of the IMBCI? From their website:

25 worldwide regional and country representatives have been added from all continents to include a network of MD's, PhD's, CNM's, IBCLC's, CPM's, RN's, psychologists and psychiatrists, NGO founders, childbirth educators, doulas, pharmacist, and sociologist.

For individuals interested in encouraging their own work place to adopt of the IMBCIs Ten Steps to Optimal MotherBaby Maternity Services, Power Point presentations have been developed to assist in making the case. They are available here for download, in English, Spanish and French. Additionally, you can read about facilities that have already implemented the IMBCI and have been designated as demonstration sites, for other facilities to use as reference.

Way to go, International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization! Keep up the good work.

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