This book introduces the rich history accompanying the formation of birth centers in the United States and internationally. As you read the stories told by the midwives who founded this movement, sit back, take some time, and imagine the passion and vision of the early proponents of the freestanding birth center model. Most of these women are still alive, a few in their 80s and 90s, but they continue to actively promote and expose newcomers to the model they created with the support of many others. Many important health care issues are addressed in the book. Health system structure and function, innovation, the triple aim, policy, quality, and education all impact the expansion of the community-based birth center model. Birth centers are making a difference locally in the communities in which they are built, as well as nationally as the spotlight shines on models of care demonstrating improved outcomes. In passages that are woven throughout the book, the reader is introduced to “exemplar birth centers”. These centers stand out as shining examples of integration into health systems, different providers working together, enhanced services, the franchise model, and innovative educational opportunities. Finally, the book brings the history and current status of birth center knowledge into the future by introducing readers to the possibility of starting a birth center of their own.