Unequal partners

Article Abstract:

The history of the division between obstetrics and midwifery, and the domination of the former by men and the latter by women is described. By tradition, midwives, frequently underrated, are associated with childbirth as a natural event, and obstetricians, with supposedly superior knowledge, are associated with illness, to be called on only in the case of difficulties. Nowadays a great deal of technology is used. Midwives are still mostly women, supporting mothers and offering them and their partners health and parent education. Obstetricians seem to measure successful pregnancies from a purely medical point of view. There should be a restructuring of maternity care nationally, giving greater recognition to the skills of midwives.

Services, Obstetrics, Maternal health services

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A mother's nightmare

Article Abstract:

Measures are being implemented to prevent babies going home with the wrong mothers following a mix-up at Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, England. The hospital has suggested the extra precaution of name-tagging both ankles while awaiting the results of an internal inquiry. The Royal College of Midwives has reissued guidelines on identification practice. However, Dudley Road Hospital, Birmingham, England may introduce thumb-printing to enable immediate identification.

Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Identification and classification

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Delivering change

Article Abstract:

Issues concerning the functions performed by midwives apart from delivering babies are discussed. Particular attention is given to duties specific to midwives working in community, team, high-risk obstretics and transitional care for babies units.

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