Maureen Darcey, CNM and Brianna Bennett, Business Director teach “How to Start a Birth Center” workshops for the American Association of Birth Centers.  This fall, they got the privilege of teaching 5 birth center pioneers from Brazil. Two of the Brazilian midwives, Jessica Cirelli and Ana Cristina Duarte, came to spend time at Women’s Birth & Wellness Center during April to learn everything they could about how to operate a successful, free-standing birth center.  Ana and Jessica are bringing back their knowledge to the group and using it to accomplish their next goal:  opening a birth center in São Paulo, where cesarean rates now stand at 60% (90% in the private health sector).

 

Jessica writes, “I would like to thank each of you for all the patience, care, and attention you have given me.  The team you have here is extremely passionate, all with strong personalities, and everyone on the team is unique. The unity that you all share is the respect for the women… Thank you for allowing me to be part of this family in the last 3 weeks.

I’m returning to Brazil with a huge bag of knowledge and more willingness to fight for a dignified assistance, with midwives, and where women can be the center of attention.

Thank you for allowing me to experience this unique opportunity.  You are changing care in Brazil as well.”