International Registry of Midwives (IRM) is a groundbreaking organization that was established by Licensed Midwives from various countries who recognized the urgent need for a universally recognized, out-of-hospital credential. While these visionary Midwives have since retired, the IRM continues to thrive under the guidance of dedicated Midwives and Physicians from the United States, Europe, Ecuador, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.
The initial vision of the IRM was to create a credential that could be utilized by Midwives serving in foreign countries where outside certifications were not recognized, and where national credentialing options or independent Midwifery recognition were often lacking. This credential aimed to not only honor a diverse range of global Midwifery standards but also to equip Midwives with advanced and culturally sensitive knowledge necessary for serving in low resource settings.
In 2016, the IRM proudly awarded its first credential, the Certified International Midwife (CIM), which stands to elevate the minimum standard of training for out-of-hospital Midwives worldwide. The CIM offers training guidelines and credentials that are accessible globally, transcending geographical, linguistic, and socioeconomic boundaries.
Throughout the years, the IRM has evolved its mission and leadership to place even greater emphasis on advanced training and certification for Midwives who independently serve communities and train students, particularly those in underserved populations. The current IRM Executive team, Board, Steering Committee, and Staff consist of esteemed Global Maternity Health Leaders who are committed to preserving and expanding the original goals and impact envisioned by the founding members.
Responding to the call of global Maternal Child Health leaders in 2017, the IRM also developed comprehensive training guidelines and certifications for Traditional Birth Attendants, Lactation Specialists and Global Doulas. These programs are specifically designed to enhance care in low resource settings with less than ideal maternal child health outcomes.
At the IRM, we wholeheartedly support several key principles:
- Expanding access to humanized maternity care through the expertise of Midwives, Traditional Birth Attendants, and Global Doulas.
- Empowering indigenous women to serve their own communities through comprehensive training.
- Upholding human rights in the realm of maternal and child health.
- Advocating for the autonomy and independence of Midwives, enabling them to serve across borders.
- Strengthening communities by providing compassionate care for women and children.
- Enhancing global economies through the provision of superior maternity care.
As part of our commitment to improving maternity care systems worldwide, we offer educational scholarships in Midwifery, Traditional Birth Attendant, and Global Doula programs to women in low resource settings who aspire to revolutionize the maternity care landscape in their own countries.
Furthermore, we collaborate closely with global Ministries of Health and Midwifery education programs, assisting them in enhancing their national maternity care by integrating our training guidelines and certifications into their educational curricula and healthcare systems.
In the year 2026, we are embarking on an exciting venture to empower qualified Midwives and Traditional Birth Attendants from underprivileged areas. Our aim is to assist them in establishing their own practices and birth centers within their communities through the revival of Micro Loans.
But that's not all - we understand that success goes beyond mere financial support. That's why we are determined to accompany these loans with a comprehensive package of resources to ensure the recipients' prosperity.
Imagine receiving educational documents and engaging presentations for your clients and patients, tailored specifically to your practice. Envision having access to personalized guidelines, policies, and procedures that will streamline your setup process. Picture receiving exclusive business training and plans designed to boost your entrepreneurial skills.
Our belief is simple: by providing financial backing for practice setup and offering unwavering business support, we can fast-track the recipients' path to triumph. As a result, they will be able to make an immediate and long-lasting positive impact on their communities while simultaneously securing a stable income for their own families.
Here at the International Registry of Midwives, we have built a solid foundation and are poised for a remarkable future. But we cannot achieve our mission alone - we need your support. Together, we can revolutionize access to quality maternal and child healthcare, bolstering families, communities, and economies.
Join us in this great endeavor, and let us pave the way towards a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference.
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