Midwifery is recognised as its own profession in legislation, with midwives working autonomously across the community. Midwives are specifically skilled in supporting ‘normal’ or healthy pregnancies and births, but also provide care for women with complex health problems and link with other health professionals as determined by your health needs. For example, midwives can liaise with your general practitioner, an obstetrician, allied health professionals, and social and community services.
The role of a midwife includes:
- providing women’s and newborn health support, care and advice before conception, during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period
- providing health counselling and education, which may include preparation for childbirth and parenthood
- promoting culturally safe care as a fundamental right for all women and recognising the importance of history and culture to the health and wellbeing of women and their families
- introducing measures aimed at preventing health problems in pregnancy and the detection of abnormal conditions
- promoting normal physiological childbirth and identifying complications for the woman and her baby, including consultation with medical specialists or other appropriate assistance according the woman’s needs
- where necessary, implementing emergency measures.
The midwife’s practice may also extend beyond the early parenting transition period to include advice and care in women’s health, reproductive and sexual health, and provide child and family healthcare. The midwife can provide care in the woman’s home, a community setting, hospital or birth centre.
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