Midwives Alliance of Hawaii (MAH) is composed of Direct-Entry Midwives, Certified Nurse-Midwives, Birth Assistants, Student Midwives and Midwifery Supporters.

The main purpose of MAH is to educate the public as to the benefits of midwifery care in improving maternal and infant health.

Midwives Alliance of Hawaii is a non-profit organization supported solely by donations, memberships and sales of materials.

Midwives Alliance of Hawaii was founded in May 1993. This non-profit organization was formed in the interest of furthering the profession of midwifery as a safe alternative for healthy mothers and babies. The early goals of this particular organization included establishment of midwifery educational guidelines, development of a peer review process, development of precise protocols and the development of a certification process or state licenser for direct entry midwives. Almost all of these goals have been met since Midwives Alliance of Hawaii's inception.

A brief list of Midwives Alliance of Hawaii's (MAH) accomplishments include, development of MAH Standards of Practice guidelines, development of an ongoing Peer Review process, establishment of a Statistical Data Collection system, a quarterly newsletter, annual conferences and workshops that include the latest topics and research in midwifery and maternity care, and most recently the development of the MAH Registry of Midwives.

Midwives Alliance of Hawaii has participated politically to further the art of midwifery in the state of Hawaii by introducing bill # 3123 in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate in 1998. This proposed bill would provide licensure for direct entry midwives in Hawaii. The bill did not pass but an audit of the bill stated that licensure of direct entry midwives was warranted and necessary but the state of Hawaii did not have the time nor the financial resources to subsidize the bill. The efforts to continue with licensure have been deferred until another time in that the law regarding midwifery in Hawaii has been changed. The most recent law regarding is such that direct entry midwifery is now considered legal yet unregulated.

The leaders of the organization include direct entry midwives with a wealth of homebirth experience. Together the midwives on the current MAH board have attended well over 1200 homebirths, which gives them clear insight into the intricacies of out of hospital births. All of the current board members have participated in a national certification process offered by the Midwives Alliance of Northern America (MANA). These particular midwives carry the nationally recognized title of Certified Professional Midwives. These women are leaders in their communities who demonstrate a deep commitment to mothers and babies and to safe birthing practices in the state of Hawaii.

Midwives Alliance of Hawaii has a membership of 35 current members of midwives and supporters. This organization is in it's 10th year and growing strong and steady. We look forward many good and effective years to come.

Midwives have been the traditional guardians of normal childbirth.  We view birth as inherently natural and healthy.  Midwives provide physical and emotional care to women throughout the childbearing cycle.  We strive to provide a safe and satisfying choice for Hawaii's birthing women. The Midwives Alliance of Hawaii recognizes that each birthing woman has individual needs and further recognizes her right to select the care provider and setting for birth that best fits those needs.

To insure the choice of midwifery care for the women of Hawai'i. To facilitate communication between midwives, other health care providers and regulatory agencies. To develop on-going educational programs for midwives and childbearing families.