Midwives and changing childbirth - Irene Walton

Midwives and 'Changing Childbirth' aims to give the reader an in-depth understanding of the recommendations of the Cumberledge Report. Under its provisions, the bulk of the changes will impact on the midwives and their managers in the first place. The midwife will be working in a woman-centred service that operates effectively within an organized, yet necessarily flexible structure. To enable women to make informed choices between different options, the midwife will have to know the maternity services available and be able to explain them to the mother. The midwife will also be communicating increasingly with obstetricians and general practitioners as well as with backup facilities such as paramedics and emergency services. That is just part of the equation. Continuing training, keeping records and evaluating them in order to improve practice. NHS purchasing and contracting issues are others. This book covers the many aspects of 'Changing Childbirth' and illuminates the midwife's central role in implementing them.