NOTE: In 2011, MSTM Founder and Director Casey Makela was
featured, along with 24 other midwives,
in the "inspiring" new book: Into These Hands: Wisdom from Midwives. Watch
the video trailer below
which features a beautiful waterbirth!
Dear Student of Midwifery;
Thank you for
visiting our web site. Your interest in midwifery is no
doubt very heartfelt and we appreciate the time you are taking to
learn more about our educational programs.
If you wish to serve women in birth-work, then you have an exciting and
challenging
journey ahead of you that will be
unlike anything you have ever done before, or will ever do again. If becoming a midwife
is your calling, then
there is a
great deal for you to consider as you step forward to
accept the torch of experience that will be passed on to you someday.
At Michigan School of Traditional Midwifery, the instructors, mentors and wise
women educators, have been - and are - experienced midwives, with years
of accumulated knowledge and skills.
These are women who authentically and passionately
live (or have lived)
the life of midwifery and birthwork, in all of its complexities,
with undeterred determination.
Evaluating your work like mothers and grandmothers preserving and passing on precious
sacred traditions, they
read and listen to your “story” with patient wisdom as your work reveals to them the
depth of your commitment. They respect the individual
that you are and the way that you learn. They give you the freedom to evolve and
explore, and your uniqueness is honored.
Students evolve through their work and their potential unfolds. The academic process of becoming a
midwife should be a progressive
one where each step forward becomes more steady and sure. As your mind
processes and retains the
information that you study in the Traditional Midwifery program, your own work begins to illuminate
your path and eventually becomes one of the greatest resources you will ever own. It will become a record of
your midwifery academic journey; a valuable volume of information that will be an asset to you for the rest
of your life; a document representing your commitment - unique to you - because you became the architect of your
education.
It is essential therefore that students considering our programs realize first
that they must have a well
developed attitude and the personal skills needed for success. These skills
include being able to work independently, show initiative and have a positive disposition, along with
good
organizational skills,
and motivated work habits. These things are a must.
At Michigan School of Traditional Midwifery, there are no slippery sales slogans to garner your
enrollment. Our enrollment process is uncomplicated and
straight forward. No one will recruit you or pressure you to enroll.
Instead of expensive ads, we invest in Scholarships for our students. We do our very
best to keep tuition affordable, and our programs are both comprehensive and student friendly.
More importantly, there is no easy way offered to any perspective student for quick
academics or convenience modules. The Traditional Midwifery program is not for students of a minimalist mind set.
MSTM’s Traditional Midwifery program does indeed offer valuable flexibility, but,
if you do not have the reasonable
time or resources to invest in your education in the first place, this program is not for you.
At MSTM, we offer you the opportunity of a lifetime - the chance to give your
all and commit yourself to the making of a midwife.
Birthing women deserve to be attended by midwives who are willing and able to give their all in
every single way. Midwifery students at MSTM are tempered, tested and most of all challenged - and when the
final exam is over, they have ever so much more than a piece of diploma paper. They have
earned the right to take their place among those select women who have gone before them in MSTM’s
Traditional Midwifery program; they have earned the right to say with pride that
they are an
MSTM graduate. They have become part of the living history (herstory!) of midwifery
by graduating from the
only midwifery school in the United States ever licensed by any state to offer
a Traditional Midwifery Vocational Arts Certificate program. It is a lot to be proud of,
it is a lot to live up to - birthing women deserve no less then the best.
Do you have what it takes?
If you can say "yes", we are here for you with open arms, ready to pass on this
time honored tradition. Welcome dear sister!
Yours in Peace and for Birth Freedom;
Casey Makela, CTM
NOTE: I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to my daughter Hannah, who lovingly and thoughtfully allowed the use
of her image in the new MSTM logo. She is carrying her son (my grandson!) Johnathan. Hannah
apprenticed
and attended many births with me from the time she was only 11 years old and I wrote about her
involvement in homebirth as part of my own story in the book: Into These Hands, Wisdom From Midwives (see link below). Hannah has
worked very closely with MSTM for many years, and she is currently in nursing school working on
her RN degree. MSTM alumni, you may have taken one of Hannah's body casting or DOULA classes at a past Midwifery
Skills workshop!
Are you doing all that you can to foster sisterhood and welcome new midwifery interest? Find out why you should - read Casey's article on:
"....a comprehensive anthology of the life stories of 25
remarkable women who have dedicated their lives and careers to the path of midwifery and social change.
The stories deliver a compelling historical perspective on the culture of
childbirth in America, insight into what really matters to women, wisdom about how to properly
welcome newborns into their families, inspiration about how to courageously take charge of one’s
life, and clear guidance for reforming our maternity care system."
- quoted from www.WisdomFromMidwives.com
“The women who share these stories are more than midwives—they are visionaries,
revolutionaries, healers and heroes. This book is for anyone, like myself, who lives in awe of
midwives, and if that does not include you, be prepared to be converted.”
- Ricki Lake, actor, television host, executive producer of the documentary,
The Business of Being Born
Michigan School of Traditional Midwifery Home Page
Thank you for
visiting our web site. Your interest in midwifery is no
doubt very heartfelt and we appreciate the time you are taking to
learn more about our educational programs.
Let the amazing stories of midwives inspire you!