Story: By Care Providers
Building the Next Generation of Midwives through Community-Based Clinical Teaching
Our Provider Spotlight takes us to Worcester, where Worcester Community Midwifery (WCM) is working to expand access to community-based midwifery care while investing in the future workforce. Founded by Rachel Blessington, CNM, WCM is planning to become Central Massachusetts’ first freestanding birth center and a midwifery clinical teaching site—advancing both access to care for birthing families and training opportunities for midwives.
The hands-on learning dynamic between students, preceptors and clients that occurs during clinical rotations is invaluable. This is where midwives in training learn to listen, observe, touch, communicate, plan and deliver care.
Q: In what ways are community-based clinical teaching sites important for the future of midwifery?
“The hands-on learning dynamic between students, preceptors and clients that occurs during clinical rotations is invaluable. This is where midwives in training learn to listen, observe, touch, communicate, plan and deliver care. Comprehensive midwifery training should include learning to provide care in various settings, including birth centers, mobile clinics, and clients homes. In these settings, students learn how to spend more time with clients and families, how to build relationships and maintain continuity, how to step into individualized care and meet clients where they feel most comfortable. “
Q: What gaps do you see in current training or clinical placement opportunities for midwives in Central Massachusetts?
“Robust, safe and varied clinical learning experiences are vital for the training of new midwives, and the lack thereof is one of the major obstacles in development of a skilled, diverse midwifery workforce. Unfortunately, clinical opportunities are limited throughout the region, especially those in a community setting. Our local hospitals do not offer 24/7 full-scope midwifery care, homebirth volume remains relatively low, and we do not have a birth center (yet!) at which to train. Limited midwifery care means limited midwifery training opportunities, so students are pushed to travel in order to train, to compete for positions and to take hours at sites that are not an appropriate fit. How can we expect midwives to provide options for evidence-based, individualized care if they are not able to train in a variety of settings and styles? If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”
Q: How can birth centers support both high-quality care and meaningful training experiences at the same time?
“Birth centers can plan to meet both of these goals by incorporating students in the care team relationship with clients throughout the care cycle, and by hiring and supporting staff midwives who are passionate about precepting When students and sites can plan committed integration experiences, students can develop appropriate rapport with clients. This results in strong learning experiences for students and preceptors, and satisfying care for clients who feel the benefits of a cohesive care team. “
Q: Looking ahead, what role do you hope Worcester Community Midwifery will play in strengthening the midwifery workforce and access to care in Worcester?
“Our midwifery center will grow a culture of learning, where local students can experience safe, high-quality training by serving their neighbors alongside skilled midwives who also love to teach. Our facility is being designed with learning in mind, creating spaces intended to welcome and support learners who join our team for a season in their journey. From places to store their bags to places to confer in private with preceptors and other students, even ensuring there are enough seats in each room to provide comfort for the whole team. We also plan to build a care team of midwives from various training routes, so students will be able to work alongside a diverse team of mentors.”