Midwifery Essay

One of the fundamental principles of midwifery is the relationship that is developed and nurtured between a midwife and the woman she is caring for (Guilliland & Pairman, 2010; Kirkman, 2010; Pairman, 2006 cited in Leap & Pairman, 2010). This relationship is one of partnership. By ‘being with’ and supporting each woman’s independence in autonomy throughout her pregnancy and birth the potential is created for the woman to be empowered and enriched so that she feels confident and self-assured in her abilities as a woman and as a mother (Guilliland & Pairman, 1995; McCourt & Stevens, 2005; Siddiqui 1991; Katz Rothman, 1991 cited in Leap & Pairman, 2010). To do this midwives are required to view the relationship as one based on mutual learning

Midwives must be aware of the law which guides their practice in order to fulfil their legal obligations to women and their families, the midwifery profession and society (Newnham & Humphrey, 2010) and to abide by the NMBA’s (2006) Competency 1 which states that midwives will practice in accordance with legislation and common law. Some of these laws are outlined in the Health and Disability Commissioner Act of 1994. Some of the laws within this act, relating to the topics discussed in this essay, include Right 6 which defines the right for healthcare consumers to be fully informed of options available including risks, side effects, benefits and costs of each option; and Right 7 which describes healthcare consumers right to make informed decisions and give informed consent (Health and Disability Commissioner Act, 1994 cited in Newnham & Humphrey, 2010). Supervision of the midwifery profession by regulatory bodies such as these provides a legal safety net for practicing midwives while also protecting the public and promoting best practice (Carr, 2008 cited in Thompson, 2013). At times midwives may feel that they are legally responsible for adverse outcomes of maternity care or treatment however if the midwife has given the woman all the information and education required

Evidence-based practice is defined by Professor David Sackett (Sackett & Cooke, 1996 cited in Tracy, 2010) as using current best evidence to inform the way in which you practice and provide care to each individual patient while also taking into account personal clinical experience. Griffith (2012) also states that evidence-based practice is guided by sound evidence, research and the law. Page and McLandish (2006) and Sackett and Cook (1996 cited in Tracy, 2010) do, however, highlight the importance of evidence-based practice informing ones practice and not replacing it as a woman’s individual preferences should always be considered when making clinical