54^th Annual Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice Conference

Midwifery

The Midwife is recognized as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period, to conduct births on the midwife’s own responsibility and to provide care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventative measures, the promotion of normal birth, the detection of complications in mother and child, the accessing of medical care or other appropriate assistance and the carrying out of emergency measures. Midwives have an important role in health and wellness promotion and education for the woman, her family, and the community. Midwifery practice involves informing and preparing the woman and her family for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and parenthood and includes certain aspects of women’s health, family planning, and infant well-being. A midwife may practice in any setting including the home, community, hospitals, clinics or health units.