DEFINITION OF THE MIDWIFE
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.
The midwife is recognised as
a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women
to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour 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.
The midwife has an important
task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman, but also
within the family and the community. This work should involve antenatal education
and preparation for parenthood and may extend to women’s health, sexual or reproductive
health and child care.
A midwife may practise in
any setting including the home, community, hospitals, clinics or health units.
Adopted by the International Confederation of
Midwives Council meeting, 19th July, 2005, Brisbane, Australia
Supersedes the ICM “Definition of the
Midwife” 1972 and its amendments of 1990
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar