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MIDWIFERY-AN OVERVIEW
The International Confederation of Midwives, the International Federation of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, and the World Health Organisation has adopted and amended the following definition of a midwife (ICM):
- A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational programme, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practise midwifery.
- She must be able to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility and to care for the newborn and infant.
- This care includes preventative measures, the detection of abnormal conditions in mother and child, the procurement of medical assistance and the extension of emergency measures in the absence of medical help.
- She has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for women but also within the family and the community.
- The work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and extends to certain areas of gynaecology, family planning and child care.
- She may practise in clinics, health units, and domiciliary conditions or in any other service.
The scope of practice regarding midwifery in the Republic of Ireland is the range of roles, functions, responsibilities and activities that a midwife is educated, competent, and has authority to perform. Competence is the ability of the midwife to practice safely and effectively, fulfilling her professional responsibility within her scope of practice. Midwifery practice is underpinned by values that guide the way in which midwifery care is delivered.
An Bord Altranais (2000a) considers that the following values should underpin nursing practice and provide the basis for the formulation of a philosophy of midwifery:
- In making decisions about an individual midwife’s scope of practice, the best interests of the patient/client and the importance of promoting and maintaining the highest standards of quality in the health services, should be foremost
- Midwifery care should be delivered in a way that respects the uniqueness and dignity of each patient/client regardless of culture or religion
- Fundamental to midwifery practice is the therapeutic relationship between the midwife and the patient/client that is based on trust, understanding, compassion, support and serves to empower the patient/client to make life choices
- Midwifery practice involves advocacy for the individual patient/client and for his/her family. The practice is based on the best available evidence
Midwifery practice should always be based on the principles of professional conduct as outlined in the latest version of the Code of Professional Conduct for Each Nurse and Midwife produced by An Bord Altranais (An Bord Altranais, April 2000b).
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