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What can midwives learn from New Zealand?

I have had a long-term connection with New Zealand since the early 1990s when both England and New Zealand started to implement policies for woman-centred care and continuity of care. Our shared...

Cast your votes now

In response to the Government's announcement in March that 60% of NHS staff will not get any pay rise this year and only those at the top of their bands will receive a 1% unconsolidated lump sum, the...

Good enough is just perfect

Becoming a mother is a huge milestone...

Expert witnesses under criticism

The UK legal system is adversarial, and profound disagreements are bound to arise when opposing sides present or contest evidence However, there are well-established procedural rules and conventions...

The culture of midwifery and autonomy

In previous columns this year I explored the impact of recent NHS reforms and health policy on UK midwives and maternity services I suggested that these reforms might be of interest and significance...

Research roundup: September 2014

UK Managing breastfeeding expectations and outcomes among expectant mothers Women who intend to breastfeed their babies but are subsequently unable to do so have higher rates of postpartum...

The Midwife's Tale: An oral history from handywoman to professional midwife

The Midwife's Tale was a joy to read and provided an insight into the rich history of midwifery that I was unfamiliar with This book would be a delightful addition to the collection of any midwife,...

When IVF fails: Feminism, infertility and the negotiation of normality

The book ‘When IVF Fails: feminism, infertility and the negotiation of normality’ is a long overdue and absolutely vital piece of writing Karen Throsby has drawn on her background in sociology to...

Fairy tale midwifery—fact or fiction: The lived experiences of newly qualified midwives

Newly qualified midwives are expected to function as autonomous practitioners (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2004) from their date of registration, yet it was apparent locally that there was...

The imperative of implementing delayed cord clamping to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes

The third stage of labour begins at the time the newborn is delivered and continues until the placenta and membranes are expelled Immediately after birth, the newborn remains attached to the mother...

An exploration of the benefits and drawbacks of intrapartum pain management strategies

‘Labour pain is not associated with pathology but with the most basic and fundamental of life's experiences’ (Lowe, 2002: 16) An integral part of the labour process, pain poses challenges to both...

Public health and wellbeing: A matter for the midwife?

Public health is an important part of the midwife's role Naidoo and Wills (2000: 181) define public health as: A concern for the health of the whole population A concern for the...

Why choose British Journal of Midwifery?

BJM supports midwives by sharing expertise and advice to help you build confidence, grow professionally and improve care.

What's included

  • Evidence-based best practice

  • Peer-reviewed research

  • Practical guidance

  • CPD support

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