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International Training in Anthroposophic Midwifery (ITAM)

For qualified midwives around the world

Next Online Information Event: August 25, 2026 (in English)

Course start: October 24, 2026

  • with Part 1: Foundation Studies ​

  • or direct admission to Part 2: profession-specific modules (for participants who have completed the Foundation Studies)

Applications will open soon.

The International Training in Anthroposophic Midwifery (ITAM) is an online continuing education program for trained midwives and birth professionals. It combines scientific principles with a comprehensive understanding of the human being, supporting midwives in guiding pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period as deeply human and personal processes.

Supporting childbirth and the peripartum period as a deeply human and personal process

ITAM is an internationally accessible training program in Anthroposophic Midwifery, designed for professional and medical midwives working in diverse cultural, clinical, and social contexts. The training develops strong professional and personal competencies in anthroposophic midwifery based on an anthroposophic understanding of the human being, nature, and the cosmos.

The largely asynchronous online format makes it possible for midwives working on call or in continuity-of-care models around the world to participate. Learning is enriched through guided text work, artistic activities, eurythmy, meditative practice, case reflection, and mentored practical experience. ITAM aims to foster both professional competence and personal development, supporting responsible, relationship-based care and contributing to the global humanization of birth.

Next Online Information Event: August 25, 2026

Join ouronline information sessionto learn more about the International Training in Anthroposophic Midwifery (ITAM).

During the session, you will get an overview of the program’s structure and content, learn more about the learning formats, modules, and practical components, and gain a deeper understanding of how ITAM supports both professional and personal development. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and connect directly with the team.

The event will be held in English:
August 25, 2026, 4 p.m. UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
The link to the event will be shared soon.

Please check your local time.

Sign up to stay informed:

Course Structure

  • More information: www.akademie-arlesheim.ch/foundationstudies

  • Module 1: Paradise and the Idea of Unbornness

    Module 2: Pregnancy: The Path of Becoming

    Module 3: Nurturing Mother and Child During Pregnancy

    Module 4: Nutrition, Health, and Vitality

  • Module 5: Birth in Time and Space 

    Module 6: The Art and Practice of Birth Work

    Module 7: Transition and Birth

    Module 8: The Golden Hour: Welcoming and Farewell

  • Module 9: The First Forty Days: Postpartum Care and Renewal

    Module 10: Situations Requiring Specialized Care 

    Module 11: Short Lives with Enduring Meaning 

    Module 12: Child Development and Human Biography

    Module 13: External Courses, Training, and Mentored Practice Tailored to Individual Needs, Situations, and Preferences

    (Module 13 includes external training programs and courses. Any costs incurred for these activities are not included in the ITAM participation fees and must be paid for by the participants individually.)

    Module 14: Personal Project and Research Paper

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Participation in the ITAM program requires:

  1. Proof of a professional qualification in accordance with the ITAM admission criteria.

  2. For direct admission to the midwifery-specific modules:

    Successful completion of the Foundation Studies program or an equivalent, recognized foundation training program in Anthroposophic Medicine.

    Otherwise, the program begins with the Foundation Studies program.

  3. Letter of Motivation.

  4. Successful application and admission.

Applications are submitted online. Applicants must provide a completed application form, a letter of motivation, and all required supporting documents in PDF format. Documents may be submitted in German, English, French, or Spanish.

Depending on their qualifications, applicants may be admitted either as regular participants (with the possibility of earning the Certificate in Anthroposophic Midwifery) or as guest participants.

Participation in the program begins upon admission and payment of the course fee.

Questions & Answers

  • The program is designed for qualified midwives and birth professionals who wish to enhance their practice through an integrative and holistic approach to care.

    In detail: ITAM is designed forcertified midwiveswho:

    • A degree in midwifery or a combined nursing–midwifery degree (ISCED 5–8, at least 3 years), or

    • A midwifery certification in Traditional and Complementary Medicine (WHO) (same level/duration)

    Also eligible:

    • Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs):may participate asguestswithout a college degree (attendance certificate only; no AMid certificate)

    • Related health professionals:may apply for guest status if their work is related to the peripartum period and they can demonstrate relevant experience (decision made by the course leadership)

  • The program begins with the Foundation Studies, which constitute the first part of the training and provide a structured introduction to anthroposophic medicine. Students must complete the Foundation Studies before proceeding to the profession-specific ITAM modules.

    Learn more about Foundation Studies: https://en.akademie-arlesheim.ch/foundationstudies

    Equivalent training in anthroposophic medicine may be recognized (at least 100 hours of instruction + 100 hours of self-study).

    Recognition requires a written application with supporting documents and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

  • The program combines the Foundation Studies program with 14 profession-specific modules, including guided learning, practical application, and a final project.

    Learn more about Foundation Studies: https://en.akademie-arlesheim.ch/foundationstudies

  • Yes. The program is specifically designed to accommodate professional commitments, including on-call schedules and shift work, through a largely flexible online format.

  • The course is taught in English. Most of the course materials will be translated into Spanish.

    The discussion sessions will be conducted in English.

  • The ITAM program is completed upon successful completion of all four program components, including the Foundation Studies program (or equivalent foundational training in Anthroposophic Medicine), all 14 professional modules, and the final project module.

    The AMid certification is internationally recognized; however, it is valid only in conjunction with a national license to practice midwifery.

    Certificates are issued by Akademie Arlesheim (subject to accreditation).

    Participants who meet the admission requirements and satisfy the criteria for professional midwifery education as defined in the WHO Benchmarks for Anthroposophic Midwifery will receive the Certificate in Anthroposophic Midwifery (AMid) upon successful completion of the program.

    Guest participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

  • Registration opens in the summer of 2026. You can already sign up to receive updates and application details.

Study Board

Johanna Hünig
(Course Lead, Curriculum Development)

Midwife, MSc
, International Coordinator of Anthroposophic Midwifery, and Lecturer at Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Lael Stimming
(Curriculum Development)

Philipp Busche ( Study Board)

Katrin Oesteroth (Study Board)

Email: info@akademie-arlesheim.ch

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