The International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization (IMBCO) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization created to develop, regularly update, and promote the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative (IMBCI): 10 Steps to Optimal Maternity Services worldwide.

The IMBCI is based on the results of a survey of birth- and breastfeeding organizations in 163 countries (see "History of the IMBCI") and on input from IMBCO's Technical Advisory Group, international representatives, and birth experts all over the world who participated in its construction.

The purpose of the IMBCI 10 Steps is to improve care throughout the childbearing continuum in order to save lives, prevent illness and harm from the overuse of obstetric technologies, and promote health for mothers and babies around the world.

The full text of the IMBCI is available on this website for you to download and work with in your area. Individuals and organizations can endorse it, adopt it as a focal point for their advocacy work, and use it as an educational instrument and guide to help hospitals improve their maternity care. Hospitals can work to achieve the 10 Steps as a means of providing optimal MotherBaby care.

The International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative (IMBCI) originated from the work of the International Committee of the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS). The inspiration and foundation for the IMBCI is based on the philosophy and principles of CIMS, a coalition dedicated to promoting a wellness model of maternity care that will improve birth outcomes and substantially reduce costs, and to supporting new global efforts to improve the health of women and babies. CIMS considers itself a life-long partner in support of the mission of IMBCO. www.motherfriendly.org

The International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization (IMBCO) was created in partnership with Childbirth Connection, a U.S. based not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of maternity care through research, education, advocacy and policy. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care for all women and their families.

  Join the IMBCO listserv at: CIMSInternational@yahoogroups.com