The text below is reproduced from our illustrated leaflet of the same name.
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(PLEASE NOTE - THIS INFORMATION REFERS TO MIDWIFERY IN UK)
A midwife is a specialist who is qualified to give total care to a woman and her baby during pregnancy, labour and after the baby is born. The midwife does not have to call in a doctor unless there is a potential or actual problem which requires medical assistance.
The midwife is the senior professional attendant at over 75% of births in the UK.
Midwives can give total care to mother and baby from early pregnancy onwards, throughout childbirth and until the baby is 28 days old.
Midwives may legally set up in practice and advertise their midwifery services, either alone or in partnerships.
It is not necessary to be a nurse in order to become a midwife, although many practising midwives also hold nurse qualifications in addition to their midwifery registration.
A midwife is able to recognise any potential or actual problem which may arise, and is legally obliged to consult with a medical colleague in these cases.
Midwives are the only professionals concerned solely with maternity care. The only other people legally allowed to deliver babies are doctors (who need not have had specialist training in this field)..
Midwives can give advice on common pregnancy problems, and are able to teach parentcraft and relaxation exercises.
In Maternity Units women are often attended by doctors who are there to learn about obstetrics from the more experienced doctors and midwives. They are called Senior House Officers (SHOs).
Must I book with a doctor for maternity care?
No, you are not obliged to do this. If you have any difficulty, contact the Supervisor of Midwives at your local maternity hospital, she is there to help you.
Do I need a doctor's permission to have my baby at home?
No. It is your legal right to give birth wherever you choose. The Supervisor of Midwives has a duty to arrange your midwifery care.
But isn't it safer to have a baby in hospital?
Several studies have shown that a planned home birth is safe, provided there are no problems in the pregnancy.
But when I go to hospital, isn't it best to see a doctor rather than a midwife?
Remember, the midwife is the specialist in NORMAL maternity care. Most women, (80% or more) have problem-free pregnancies and labours. By education and experience the midwife is able to recognise possible problems, and so is the best person to care for a pregnant or labouring woman. If problems do arise, an obstetrician is called in to supervise the woman's care.
Aren't midwives just nurses with extra training?
No, midwifery is a completely different profession from nursing. Practising midwives are able to take sole responsibility for the care of mainly healthy women and babies, whereas most nurses care for sick people, usually under the direction of doctors.
Can my midwife look after me without a doctor's supervision?
Yes. A registered midwife is able to do this.
So remember - ask to see your midwife for your maternity care!
'Midwife' means 'With Woman'
6 Springfield Road, Birmingham, B14 7DS Tel. 0121 444 2257 Helpline: 01243 671673 Email: sarahmontagu@postmaster.co.uk www.midwifery.org.uk
1 The Great Quarry, Guildford, GU1 3XN www.independentmidwives.org.uk
(Midwives giving full maternity care outside NHS)
5 Ann's Court, Grove Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4BE Helpline: 0870 765 1433
Email: chair@aims.org.uk
www.aims.org.uk
(User group offering support and information)
Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, London, W3 6NH Tel: 0181 992 8637.
www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com
(Antenatal preparation, postnatal support, etc.)
8 Wren Way, Farnborough, GU14 8SZ Tel: 01252 543250
15 Mansfield Street, London, W1M 0BE Tel. 0207 312 3535
www.rcm.org.uk
Professional body for midwives. Monthly journal, library, archives.
This page updated July 2003 IK