The Midwives' Association of Washington State

Our association was formed to unite and organize the two groups of midwives in Washington state, and to promote public and professional recognition of midwifery. Full members are certified nurses and licensed midwives. Associate members, an important part of the organization, include a wide range of health professionals and consumers who share an interest in midwifery.

Mission Statement

To promote the health and well-being of women and babies through the development and support of the profession of midwifery in keeping with "the Midwives Model of Care"(1) from the International Confederation of Midwives.

Vision:

• Midwifery is the standard of care for all healthy women during the childbearing cycle.
• Midwives support each other in maintaining and improving the quality of care provided to birthing women and their families.
• Professional recognition of midwifery as a safe and valid choice for maternity care.

Values MAWS upholds:

• Communication
• Accountability
• Informed choice
• Risk assessment
• Evidence based care
• Continuity of care

Goals:

• Promote public awareness of midwifery.
• Protect birthing options and support women's informed choices.
• Lobby and advocate for issues related to midwifery and women's health care.
• Support midwives through opportunities for continuing education and state protected independent peer review.
• Promote accountability through a state approved quality assurance program.

Reference:
1. International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Definition of a Midwife:

"The midwife's sphere of practice demands of her the ability to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility, and to care for the newborn and infant. This care includes preventative measures, the detection of abnormal conditions in the mother and child, the procurement of medical assistance, and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical help. She has an important task in counseling and education, not only for women and their families but also within the community. This work involves antenatal education, and preparation for parenthood, and extends to certain areas of gynecology, family planning and child care."

For More Information...

Contact us by telephone or postal mail.

Related Links:

• Become a Member of MAWS

• Find a Midwife in Washington State
  The MAWS Directory of Midwives.

• Midwifery Book List
  Select Bibliogprahy: Books and Resources About the Profession of Midwifery

• WA State Laws Governing Midwifery