We begin with learning Birth Emergency Skills Training® foundational concepts, algorithms, mnemonics and the key components of a safe transfer. 

This is followed by a new module on racial disparities written for us by Joi Renee Crenshaw. She shares her own experience as a black birthing women and the realities black, brown and indigenous people face in this country due to systemic racism. We, as birth workers and midwives can work to provide a safe place for birthing and decrease maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in this population.

Then we dive into emergencies that come up in the Antepartum including; general trauma, shock, differentiating antepartum bleeding, hypertensive disorders, preterm labor and malpresentations. 

Next we tackle Intrapartum emergencies including; shoulder dystocia, surprise breech and twin births, and cord prolapse.

Our postpartum section focuses on postpartum bleeding with specific management and treatment of each root cause.

Video demonstrations of individual skills (including IV therapies and insertion), as well as overall management of emergencies are spread throughout the program to reinforce learning and provide opportunity for discussion. 

We end with a review of monitoring Fetal Heart Tones (FHTs) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).

Participants must take (2), 25 question quizzes to test knowledge. Certification and CEU's are awarded following completion of the program evaluation.

We also provide equipment checklists to print and include in your individual emergency skill bags. 

Hands on practice is critical to learning new skills and that is why we encourage you to attend a live workshop even if you choose to purchase only the online program. 

We can not emphasize enough how important it is to take the learning out of your head and place it directly into your hands where you need it. 

As all birth attendants know, our hands know exactly what to do when the time comes IF they are already familiar with and well trained to perform a skill. 

When first learning something new, it must be repeated many times in order for your hands to gain the necessary proficiency in the skill to take care of the situation without having to pause to think it through too much. 

This is exactly what the LIVE workshops provide. We walk you through the skill and then you get to take the time you need to repeat the skill until you 'know' what to do. 

Of course, because true emergencies are rare in the low risk mothers we serve in the out of hospital environment, we recommend reviewing emergencies frequently. 

Many communities of birth attendants gather monthly to practice so that these infrequently used, but life saving skills, can stay on their fingertips! Then they invite us back every two years for the BEST LIVE / HYBRID to refresh their skills and learn any newly research. 

Each module is divided into topic focused lessons delivered in audio/video format as well as written highlights.

Many lessons have video demonstrations as applicable. 

Relevant additional resources are provided for participant's to further their understanding of subject matter. 

Each module has a reflection portion where participants are encouraged to take the time needed to review and adjust their protocols with the evidence based, up to date information provided in the BEST program.

Participants are encouraged to share personal cases related to the module's subject matter to foster discussion.

Quizzes are designed to reinforce subject matter. 

Reflective and active discussions are an invaluable way to learn from one another, gain feedback and offer support for difficult cases.

Midwives learn from one another by telling stories, asking questions, and reviewing what worked and what didn't work. 

This essential way of learning is incorporated into both the Online and Live BEST programs.

Midwives of all types (CPMs, CNMs, traditional and community midwives) benefit from the BEST workshop along with student midwives, birth assistants, nurses, the occasional doctor or doula. 

The bottom line is, Mother's and Newborns benefit from BEST programs as a result of improved recognition and management of birth emergencies. 

We do want to note that completing any of the BEST programs does not guarantee competency, rather BEST certification indicates program completion :)