Midwifery

For anthroposophically extended midwifery, the biographical situation of the pregnant woman and her family with their individual needs plays a central role alongside the anthroposophical image of the human being, and it is guided by the ideal of dignified obstetrics appropriate to the human being. This broadens our understanding of the international code of ethics for midwives, enriches our professional work and opens up ever new research questions alongside the work at the threshold to life on earth. 

Anthroposophical medications, external applications (Einreibung, wraps, compresses, etc.) and various anthroposophical therapies offer a wide range of options for the support, care and treatment of women. The way in which the anthroposophical content is embedded in the professional activity is individual and adapted to the respective environment of the midwife. 

At the international level, anthroposophical midwifery and further training programmes vary due to different cultural, social and legal conditions, as well as practical possibilities. 

Currently, there is a three-year in-service training programme for anthroposophical midwives offered by the Association for Anthroposophical Midwifery (VfaH) in Germany. A multilingual further training programme that is intended to enable qualification largely through guided self-study, independently of time and place, is being planned. 

Anthroposophical midwives meet regularly to exchange expertise, both regionally in person and internationally online and at international conferences. 

The coordinator of the IKAM section for anthroposophical midwifery is the link between the Medical Section at the Goetheanum and the national associations and working groups of anthroposophically oriented midwives. She supports them in networking and developing joint projects. She also coordinates networking and further training opportunities during international conferences and is responsible for coordinating training and further training.

The search for a midwife offering anthroposophically extended services is facilitated by contact persons or national working groups, which are listed in the contact list linked here.