"The rapid growth, standardization, and professionalization of modern midwifery in the U.S. have sparked debates about what should be included in the internationally recommended three-year midwifery training program. While classroom education and clinical experience numbers offer measurable benchmarks, true competency requires more—critical thinking, intuition, multi-tasking, delegation, and higher-order professional skills—which take time, mentorship, and real-world experience"
(ACME, n.d.; AlHaqwi & Taha, 2015; Anderson et al., 2017; Colebrook, 2017; ICM, 2012; West et al., 2015).
Midwives today face increasing legal scrutiny, with the risk of litigation impacting both their careers and access to midwifery care worldwide. Rising malpractice costs and legal vulnerabilities demand that midwives refine their skills in defensive charting, shared decision-making, and professional self-protection.
This deeply engaging, self-paced online workshop—originally a live seminar—offers an advanced approach to midwifery education. Led by Augustine Colebrook, this course provides midwives and senior students with practical tools to:
✔️ Strengthen documentation & charting skills
✔️ Navigate cultural competency & political realities
✔️ Develop confidence in decision-making & risk management
✔️ Protect themselves legally while maintaining compassionate care
Designed for midwives who seek balance, boundaries, longevity, and empowerment, this course encourages bravery, intuition, and professionalism in today’s complex birth landscape.
📖 Course Materials: Participants will receive handouts and redacted chart notes throughout the course.
COURSE CURRICULUM
Your Mentor | Augustine Colebrook, MA-MCHS
Augustine is no stranger in the birthwork community. An internationally recognized midwifery educator, seasoned business executive, and veteran midwife having attended the births of 1000s of babies, Augustine brings a wealth of experience from attending births in hospitals, birth centers, and homes across the U.S. and abroad. Deeply committed to serving underserved and marginalized communities, she honors the balance between the sacredness of birth and the reality of clinical practice. With a master's degree in Maternal/Child Health Systems, she has dedicated her career to transforming maternity care.
Her mission? To mainstream midwifery and dismantle the fear and misinformation that surround birth. Through education, consulting, product development, podcasts, business coaching, and site visits, she empowers midwives, students, birth center administrators, and maternity practice owners to create sustainable, thriving practices. Augustine doesn’t just teach midwifery—she midwives the midwife, guiding the next generation toward a fulfilling and impactful career.
"If you have the chance to learn from Augustine Colebrook, do whatever you can to get there. You will not regret it. I sincerely appreciate her honesty and her ability to teach to all levels of midwives simultaneously. My mind and heart are beyond full."
- Cara Gwizd
If you’re eager to strengthen your skills—or if the thought of being investigated, sued, or audited feels overwhelming—this course is designed to empower and protect you.