The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) is a collaborative effort of numerous individuals and more than 50 organizations representing over 90,000 members. Their mission is to promote a wellness model of maternity care that will improve birth outcomes and substantially reduce costs.

Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative (MFCI)

The CIMS document that defines the ten steps of Mother-Friendly care. A must-read for all childbirth professionals, advocates and families. The initiative outlines ten steps for mother-friendly care. 

Having a Baby? Ten Questions to Ask
Written by CIMS for prospective mothers to ask of their chosen birth center, hospital, or home birth service. These ten issues will help you determine whether the people assisting you in your birth support the philosophy of Mother-Friendly care.

Mother Friendly Childbirth: Highlights of the Evidence

This is a summary of the Evidence Basis document (above) contributed by consumer groups BirthNetwork National and Citizens for Midwifery that makes it possible to see at a glance the results of the research in a easy to comprehend, quick presentation. Great for educating others!

Mother-Friendly Childbirth: Highlights of the Evidence

Access to Midwifery Care and Out-of-Hospital Birth

Another hand-out based upon the summary of the Evidence Basis document that was created in a collaboration by consumer groups BirthNetwork National and Citizens for Midwifery.  This hand-out focuses on access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth.  Another great educational tool!

Citizens for Midwifery

Citizens for Midwifery is a national, consumer-based group that promotes the Midwives Midwives Model of Care. CfM works to provide information and resources that promote the local midwife, as well as midwives and midwifery care across the country. The CfM website offers a state-by-state guide to midwifery in the United States, as well as advocacy and resource information.