Program Info
Thank you for your interest in Birthingway!
Established as Birthingway Midwifery School in March of 1993, the purpose of the college is to train direct-entry midwives in a traditional midwifery model of care, using their intellect, senses, intuition, and judgment to integrate new medical approaches with age-old wise woman practices. Birthingway's program provides a balance of textbook and empirical knowledge, along with clinical skills emphasizing low-tech methods, in an environment of respect for the physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions of childbirth.
Birthingway is institutionally accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). We are authorized by the State of Oregon to offer a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery degree.
Birthingway is located in a large two-story house in Southeast Portland, about one mile east of I-205 on Foster Road. The school includes two classrooms, offices, kitchen, and a library.
The Biodynamic Model
Birthingway has developed a model of caring for women and families during the childbearing year. We refer to this model as biodynamic birth, in which birth is not only a natural part of human life, it is a necessary part, and one that is intimately connected with what it is to be human. The “bio” in biodynamic reflects overarching relationships to life and biological processes, while the “dynamic” describes the natural energy and intention that ensures our model is very woman-centered and individual.
A biodynamic birth is grounded in birth physiology and thus uses the least amount of intervention, while still protecting the well-being of 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.
If you would like a downloadable version of the information in this section, here is our Information Booklet in PDF format (471KB).
This school is a nonprofit corporation authorized by the State of Oregon to offer and confer the academic degree described herein, following a determination that state academic standards will be satisfied under OAR 583-030. Inquiries concerning the standards or school compliance may be directed to the Office of Degree Authorization, 1500 Valley River Drive, Suite 100, Eugene, Oregon 97401.
Birthingway College of Midwifery meets or exceeds the current educational standards set by the Oregon Midwifery Council and the Oregon State Board of Direct Entry Midwifery. The college is accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC – 20 E. Cherry, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001).