IMBCO and FIGO Created a NEW Global Initiative
The International Childbirth Initiative (ICI):
12 Steps to Safe and Respectful MotherBaby-Family Maternity Care
The International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization (IMBCO) and the InternationalFederation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) have joined forces developing a single global initiative to provide guidance and support for safe and respectful maternity care, building upon their previous work and incorporating the most recent evidence and insights into what constitutes optimal maternal and newborn health.
The 12 steps include promoting compassion and dignity in care provision, ensuring access to affordable care and adopting midwifery and family centered care guidelines. Other steps include provision of continuous companion support in labour and birth, appropriate use of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic pain relief and evidence-based practice including avoidance of unnecessary routine procedures. The steps address measures to enhance health and wellness and appropriate emergency care with collaboration and communication between levels of care. ICI also promotes a supportive human resource policy and fully incorporates the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).
The 12 steps include promoting compassion and dignity in care provision, ensuring access to affordable care and adopting midwifery and family centered care guidelines. Other steps include provision of continuous companion support in labour and birth, appropriate use of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic pain relief and evidence-based practice including avoidance of unnecessary routine procedures. The steps address measures to enhance health and wellness and appropriate emergency care with collaboration and communication between levels of care. ICI also promotes a supportive human resource policy and fully incorporates the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).