Mercy In Action’s

Frameworks & Mindsets

For Better Birth Outcomes

Mercy In Action has an almost 50-year history of providing high-quality maternity care to diverse populations in mixed-risk settings across Alaska, Idaho, Mexico, and the Philippines. Statistics on close to 20,000 births show outcomes that are superior to those in their surroundings.

In this seminar, Vicki Penwell, Founder and Executive Director of Mercy In Action Vineyard, Inc., will share dozens of practical secrets to this success that is applicable anywhere.

This seminar is for Midwives, Student Midwives, and will also be of interest to Doulas, Childbirth Educators, and MDs and RNs who attend births.

LOCATIONS AND DATES FOR 2026

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin - May 2-3, 2026

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS 

CEU: 12 hours  

Cost: $300 for both days, includes tea and snacks

Register as early as possible to save your seat; we will close registration when our venue space fills.

Refund Information:

In the unfortunate event that you are unable to attend a Mercy In Action seminar or workshop after registering, as we are a non-profit organization*, we are happy to assist you so that your fee can be either applied toward another amazing seminar or workshop in the future or converted into a donation. Thank you for your understanding that there are no refunds for any reason. If you cannot attend, please get in touch with tech support at:
techsupport@mercyinaction.com.

*Mercy In Action is an independent non-profit organization that receives no government funding—support from program fees and donations make our global work possible.

Register and pay

Your instructor is Vicki Penwell, Midwife and Global Maternal/Child Health Humanitarian. She holds a doctorate in creative leadership and master’s degrees in midwifery and intercultural studies. A frequent speaker and author of Midwifing Mercy, she lives between the Philippines and the United States while equipping and supporting birth professionals worldwide.

Frameworks and Mindsets for Better Birth Outcomes OUTLINE

Frameworks and Mindsets for Better Birth Outcomes OUTLINE

12 Total CEU Hours over Two Days

Day ONE

I.Purposefulness as a Strategy for Better Outcomes Overview

A. Clarifying Our Goals and Addressing the Need

a. Creating Mission, Vision, and Values

b. Preventing Burnout

B. The Character of a Midwife

a. How Soft Skills Tie to Outcomes

b. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

C. Creating Space for Clients to feel Safe

a. Concept of Hospitality

b. Concept of Homefulness

D. Leadership That Serves

a. Building Resilience

b. Rethinking what Leadership is and is not

E. Mission-Driven Frameworks to Build On

a. Safe Motherhood Initiative

b. International Childbirth Initiative

c. Right Care, Right Time, in the Right Way

d. Avoiding the Three Deadly Delays

Day TWO

I. Creativity and Generosity as a Strategy for Better Outcomes Overview

A. Innovations That Enhance

a. After Action Review

b. PostBirth Scoring Chart

c. Mother-Midwife / Baby Midwife Workflow

B. Mindsets For Smart Midwifery Awareness

a. Smart Midwifery Labor Spectrum

b. Man Overboard Drills

c. Creating a Strong Start in the First 1,000 Days

C. Intercultural Awareness and Respect

a. Culture of Sharing Knowledge

b. Sacred Recognition and Honor

c.Disaster Response to Maternity Care Needs

d. Making Care Accessible in the Fragile Places

e. Maternity Waiting Homes

D. Actions for Impact and Lifelong Learning in Midwifery

a. Reversed Classroom and Student Playback

b. Creation of Personal Goals

E. Summarize and Questions Answered