Resources and Downloads
You can download two different types of files for many of our documents:
A PDF copy of the document, suitable for printing. You might need to download the latest version of Acrobat Reader in order to read and print these files.
A Rich Text Format (RTF) or Microsoft Word (DOC) version, which you may open in a word processor and reproduce in your own publications as long as you provide full attribution to CIMS.
Available Documents
The following documents are available:
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The Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative
The CIMS document that defines Mother-Friendly care. A must-read for all childbirth professionals. (Read more...)
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Having a Baby? Ten Questions To Ask
Ten questions for prospective mothers to ask of their chosen birth center, hospital, or home birth service. These ten issues will help you determine whether the people assisting you in your birth support the philosophy of Mother-Friendly care. (Read more...)
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MFCI Video
Downloads: NoneThe Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative (MFCI) is also available in video format. A series of beautiful photographs depicts the elements of Mother-Friendly care while a voiceover narrates the full text of the MFCI. The video is about twelve minutes long. (Read more...)
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MFCI Slide Show Script
Downloads: [PDF/English]This 143 slide presentation describes the creation and mission of the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS), the development of the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative (MFCI), the philosophy behind its 10 Steps, and the 10 Steps themselves. It requires about 45 minutes to present. (Read more...)
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MFCI Endorsement Form
Downloads: [PDF/English], [RTF/English]Download and fill out this form to join our ever-growing list of MFCI endorsers.
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CEU Form
Downloads: [PDF/English]Download and submit a copy of this form when showing the CIMS slide show in venues offering continuing education units. The slide show is also available as a video.
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Are Your Birth Classes Mother-Friendly?
Downloads: [PDF/English]Are you up-to-date with the latest research? Does the information you provide your classes empower them to make informed decisions about their care and the care of their babies? The questions in this document are based on the user-friendly version of the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initative, Having A Baby? Ten Questions To Ask.
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Is Your Doula Practice Mother-Friendly?
Downloads: [PDF/English]Are you up-to-date with the latest research? Does the information you provide your clients empower them to make informed decisions about their care and the care of their babies? The questions in this document are based on the user-friendly version of the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initative, Having A Baby? Ten Questions To Ask.
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Self-Assessment Tool
Downloads: [PDF/English], [DOC/English]The Self-Assessment Tool enables interested persons to determine whether a hospital, birth center, or home birth service qualifies as Mother-Friendly. While the SAT is the first step in applying for Mother-Friendly designation, anyone may use the tool with no obligation. (Read more...)
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Fact Sheet: Breastfeeding is Priceless
This fact sheet lists the short- and long-term benefits of breastfeeding for babies, premature infants, children, and mothers. The fact sheet also covers the costs of not breastfeeding. Includes references.
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Fact Sheet: Problems and Hazards of Induction in Labor
This fact sheet describes the hazards of labor induction and explains how medical research fails to support common induction rationales. Includes references.
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Fact Sheet: The Risks of Cesarean Delivery to Mother and Baby
This fact sheet lists the short- and long-term hazards of cesarean section in general, the hazards of elective repeat cesarean section, the hazards for the baby, and the long-term adverse consequences for the woman's future reproductive life. Includes references.
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Homebirth
Downloads: NoneStatement on home birth by Marion McCartney, Director of Professional Services at the American College of Nurse-Midwives.