Weighing the placenta

Article Abstract:

Routine weighing of placentas may be unnecessary as accurate measurement is impossible. Medical literature suggests baby and placenta size are related but maintains crude measurements after delivery are invalid. A survey of senior medical staff revealed 13 out of 18 respondents in favour of weighing. However, only four considered weight in all deliveries. Therefore, routine weighing of normal birth placentas has been discontinued for a six month trial period.

Measurement, Placenta

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The last stand

Article Abstract:

Midwifery is not an autonomous profession. The Midwives Act, 1902 established medical control. The act distinguished between midwives' attendance at normal deliveries and medical obstetrics. Obstetricians have gradually changed midwifery practice, for example by encouraging hospital confinements. Midwives have failed to break from this medical model of care. The trend to greater use of health care assistants may further undermine the midwives role.

Maternal health services

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The power of words

Article Abstract:

Midwives very quickly fall into a pattern of using certain forms of language with their clients and other health workers, and it is very difficult to avoid this habit. However, they should make efforts to question the impact of 'hearty' and patronising language and technical terminology on those with whom they work. Alternatives for commonly-used terms are suggested.

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