Implementation guidance on transitioning to midwifery models of care

Overview

This document provides strategic and operational guidance to support countries in transitioning to midwifery models of care as part of efforts to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes and advance universal health coverage. It outlines the rationale for adopting these models, emphasizing their role in delivering person-centred, evidence-based care coordinated by midwives across the continuum from pregnancy to the postnatal period. The guidance presents different configurations of midwifery care, adaptable to diverse contexts, including community-based services, birth centres, private practice and humanitarian settings.

Structured around essential system components and a stepwise planning process, the document describes key pillars such as political commitment, governance, partnerships and sustainability. It proposes a flexible framework to assess progress and guide implementation through situation analysis, strategic and operational planning, and resource allocation. The guidance also identifies priority transition areas, including service delivery, workforce development, policy and regulation, and community engagement. Intended for policymakers, health system leaders and partners, it supports the design, scaling and integration of midwifery models within national health systems, contributing to improved quality of care, more efficient use of resources and more equitable health outcomes.