Abstracts overview:
Midwifery education in Greece is well established at a higher level. The first Midwifery Department was founded back in 1834 along with the Medical School and the Pharmaceutical School, with the establishment of the first free Greek state in the latest history. Midwifery education however has struggled to find its rightful place in the Greek educational system, underpinned for many years as a higher educational degree but not a university.

Aims and objectives:
Since 2019, Midwifery department in Greece were finally named universities. Our department have introduced a Master’s program in “Reproductive Health – Childbirth – Parenthood – Breastfeeding” that will be offered by to midwifery graduates by February 2026. This program is designed to address the evolving needs of modern healthcare and maternity care specifically. Building on the department’s long-standing academic tradition and its status as one of the three certified midwifery programs in Greece, the program responds directly to the increasing demand for well-qualified midwives.

Method:
The program consists of 12 modules spread in two semesters, while on the third semester students need to prepare their thesis on a contemporary maternal or neonatal subject of their choice. Its inception is motivated by the need to enhance the quality of healthcare services in reproductive health, particularly in the context of rising fertility challenges, unequal access to specialized care, and high cesarean section rates. The curriculum is aligned with contemporary European standards and directives, ensuring that theoretical knowledge is fully integrated with current scientific developments and clinical practices. It emphasizes a holistic approach, covering the entire reproductive cycle—from conception and prenatal care through childbirth to postnatal support and breastfeeding counseling. This comprehensive scope enables graduates to address diverse healthcare challenges and support family planning, maternal well-being, and neonatal care effectively.

Results:
The curriculum comprises 12 modules delivered over two semesters, culminating in a third-semester thesis on a contemporary maternal or neonatal topic. Designed to enhance reproductive healthcare quality amidst rising fertility challenges, disparities in specialized care, and high cesarean rates, the curriculum aligns with current European standards. It integrates theoretical knowledge with the latest scientific and clinical developments, covering the entire reproductive cycle—from conception, prenatal care, and childbirth to postnatal support and breastfeeding counselling.

Conclusion:
This postgraduate programme is tailored to the evolving needs expressed by our graduates over the past decade and to overcome the ongoing challenge of strengthening our department with highly qualified midwifery personnel. It incorporates innovative eLearning methodologies and a flexible, distance-education model leveraging advanced ICT tools, making it accessible to professionals with demanding clinical schedules. Interactive seminars, problem-based learning, and research projects cultivate critical thinking and research skills, while partnerships with leading European institutions ensure that graduates are well-equipped to advance both clinical practice and academic research in midwifery and reproductive health.