Welcome
We are a non-profit MEAC accredited school for Direct-Entry midwives located in Portland, Oregon. Students may complete either a 3-year midwifery certificate or choose to transfer in an additional year of general education to receive a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM) degree. We also offer training programs for Labor Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, and Childbirth Educators.
Birthingway has developed a model of caring for women and families during the childbearing year and beyond. We refer to this as the biodynamic birth, in which birth is not only a natural part of human life, but a necessary part and one that is intimately connected with what it is to be human. The "bio" in biodynamic reflects the model's grounding in biological processes, while the "dynamic" describes the power of genuine relationships based on trust. Thus biodynamic care is woman-centered and individualized.
Biodynamic birth respects human physiology and thus advocates for the least amount of intervention while still protecting the well-being of the mother and baby. Intervention takes on different meanings depending upon the type of care provider; therefore, each of our programs develops specific tools for the various types of services our students will be providing.