Hallmarks of Midwifery
The art and science of midwifery are characterized by the following hallmarks:
- Recognition, promotion, and advocacy of menarche, pregnancy, birth, and menopause as normal physiologic and developmental processes
- Advocacy of non-intervention in physiologic processes in the absence of complications
- Incorporation of evidence-based care into clinical practice
- Promotion of person-centered care for all, which respects and is inclusive of diverse histories, backgrounds, and identities
- Empowerment of women and persons seeking midwifery care as partners in health care
- Facilitation of healthy family and interpersonal relationships
- Promotion of continuity of care
- Utilization of health promotion, disease prevention, and health education
- Application of a public health perspective
- Utilizing an understanding of social determinants of health to provide high-quality care to all persons including those from underserved communities
- Advocating for informed choice, shared decision making, and the right to self-determination
- Integration of cultural safety into all care encounters
- Incorporation of evidence-based integrative therapies
- Skillful communication, guidance, and counseling
- Acknowledgment of the therapeutic value of human presence
- Ability to collaborate with and refer to other members of the interprofessional health care team
- Ability to provide safe and effective care across settings including home, birth center, hospital, or any other maternity care service