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International Training in Anthroposophic Midwifery (ITAM)

For qualified midwives worldwide

Next online Information Event: August 25, 2026 (in English)

Course start: October 24, 2026

  • with Part 1: Foundation Studies ​

  • or direct entry to Part 2: profession-specific modules (for participants who have completed the Foundation Studies)

Applications open soon.

The International Training in Anthroposophic Midwifery (ITAM) is an online continuing education program for trained midwives and birth professionals. It combines scientific foundations with an extended understanding of the human being, supporting midwives to accompany pregnancy, birth, and postpartum as deeply human and biographical processes.

Supporting birth and peripartum as a deeply human and biographical process

ITAM is an internationally accessible training program in Anthroposophic Midwifery, designed for professional/medical midwives working across diverse cultural, clinical and social contexts. The training leads to solid professional and personal competencies in anthroposophic midwifery based on an anthroposophic understanding of the human being, nature and the cosmos.

The largely asynchronous online format makes participation feasible for midwives working on call or in continuity‑of‑carer models worldwide. Learning is enriched through guided text work, artistic activities, eurythmy, meditative practice, case reflection and mentored practical experience. ITAM aims to foster both professional competence and personal development, supporting responsible, relationship‑based care and contributing to the global humanization of birth.

Next online Information Event: August 25, 2026

Join our online information event to learn more about the International Training in Anthroposophic Midwifery (ITAM).

During the session, you will receive an overview of the program structure and content, learn more about the learning formats, modules, and practical components, and gain a deeper understanding of how ITAM supports both professional and personal development. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and connect directly with the team.

The event will be offered in English:
August 25, 2026, 4 pm UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
The link to the event will be shared soon.

Please check your local time.

Register your interest and stay informed:

Course Structure

  • more information: www.akademie-arlesheim.ch/foundationstudies

  • Module 1: Paradise and the Idea of Unbornness

    Module 2: Pregnancy: the Path of Becoming

    Module 3: Nurturing Mother and Child During Pregnancy

    Module 4: Nutrition, Health and Vitality

  • Module 5: Birth in Time and Space 

    Module 6: The Art and Practice of Birth-work

    Module 7: Transition and Birth

    Module 8: The Golden Hour: Welcoming and Farewell

  • Module 9: The First Forty Days: Postpartum Care and Renewal

    Module 10: Situations Requiring Specialized Care 

    Module 11: Short Lives with Enduring Meaning 

    Module 12: Child Development and Human Biography

    Module 13: External Courses, Trainings, and Mentored Practice According to Individual Needs, Situations, and Preferences

    (Module 13 includes external training programs and courses. Any costs incurred for these activities are not included in the ITAM participation fees and must be borne individually by the participants.)

    Module 14: Personal Project and Research Paper

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Participation in the ITAM program requires:

  1. Proof of a professional qualification in accordance with the ITAM admission criteria.

  2. For direct entry into the Midwifery-Specific Modules:

    Successful completion of the Foundation Studies program or an equivalent recognised foundation training in Anthroposophic Medicine.

    Otherwise, participation begins with the Foundation Studies program.

  3. Letter of Motivation.

  4. Successful application and admission.

Applications are submitted online. Applicants must provide a completed application form, a letter of motivation, and all required supporting documents in PDF format. Documents may be submitted in German, English, French, or Spanish.

Depending on their qualifications, applicants may be admitted either as regular participants (with the possibility of obtaining the Certificate in Anthroposophic Midwifery) or as guest participants.

Participation in the program begins upon admission and payment of the course fee.

Questions & Answers

  • The program is designed for qualified midwives and birth professionals who wish to deepen their practice through an integrative and holistic approach to care.

    In detail: ITAM is designed for qualified midwives with:

    • A midwifery or combined nursing–midwifery degree (ISCED 5–8, min. 3 years), or

    • A midwifery qualification in Traditional & Complementary Medicine (WHO) (same level/duration)

    Also eligible:

    • Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA): may join without a tertiary degree as guests (attendance certificate only, no AMid certificate)

    • Related health professionals: may apply for guest status if their work is peripartum-related and relevant experience is demonstrated (decision by course leadership)

  • The program begins with the Foundation Studies, which form the first part of the training and provide a structured introduction to anthroposophic medicine. Completion of the Foundation Studies is required before continuing into the profession-specific ITAM modules.

    Learn more about Foundation Studies: https://en.akademie-arlesheim.ch/foundationstudies

    Equivalent training in Anthroposophic Medicine may be recognised (min. 100 hours teaching + 100 hours self-study).

    Recognition requires a written application with supporting documents and is assessed individually.

  • The training combines the Foundation Studies program with 14 profession-specific modules, including guided learning, practical application, and a final project.

    Learn more about Foundation Studies: https://en.akademie-arlesheim.ch/foundationstudies

  • Yes. The program is specifically designed to be compatible with professional life, including on-call schedules and shift work, through a largely flexible online format.

  • The course language is English. Most of the study material will be translated into Spanish.

    The discussion sessions will be offered in English.

  • The ITAM programme is completed upon successful participation in all four programme components, including the Foundation Studies programme (or an equivalent foundation training in Anthroposophic Medicine), all 14 professional modules, and the final project module.

    The AMid qualification is internationally recognised; however, it is valid only in conjunction with a national licence to practise midwifery.

    Certificates are issued by Akademie Arlesheim (subject to accreditation).

    Participants who meet the admission requirements and fulfil the criteria for professional midwifery education as defined in the WHO Benchmarks for Anthroposophic Midwifery will receive the Certificate in Anthroposophic Midwifery (AMid) upon successful completion of the programme.

    Guest participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

  • Registration opens in summer 2026. You can already register your interest to receive updates and application details.

Study Board

Johanna Hünig
(Course Lead, Curriculum Development)

Midwife, MSc
International Coordinator of Anthroposophic Midwifery and Lecturer at Zurich University of Applied Science

Lael Stimming
(Curriculum Development)

Philipp Busche (Study Board)

Katrin Oesteroth (Study Board)

E-Mail: info@akademie-arlesheim.ch

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