Report Broken Link

Letter to the editor re: lay midwives

Abstract:

It would appear from their letter in the last Journal that the 'lay' midwives are confused about responsibility and power. While women having home births are expected to take responsibility for their pregnancies and births, every midwife has to take responsibility for her practice. Any midwife - registered or lay - who is not prepared to accept this responsibility is leaving the woman she cares for in the lurch. Similarly with power. The power belongs to the woman giving birth. Therefore it surprises me that the lay midwives say that they "share their power with the woman". In fact, it is the birthing woman who 'shares power' with the midwife. No midwife should get into the power trip - either in contention with the birthing woman or with other midwives. We should be working together in the best interest of the woman giving birth. (this is the letter in its entirety)

 view online article View Document

lay midwifery, partnership, power