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Composite indicators

Composite indicators are seen as an objective and efficient method of measuring performance in the NHS In this month's column, I will examine both the strengths and the potential pitfalls of this...

Nursing and midwifery at the crossroads—new challenges, new successes

Experiences of midwifery students in rendering the prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme in the Western Cape, South Africa

Should wheelchairs be given priority over prams and pushchairs on public transport?

Two recent County Court cases have resulted in conflicting judgments over whether bus companies should give priority to wheelchair users over mothers with prams and pushchairs

Individualised care in midwifery

One of the most important decisions to be made about birth is choice of caregiver. The key to making the right choice is having a dedicated midwife who has trusts that your body knows how to labour....

Is there such thing as safe drug use in pregnancy?

From nausea and sickness to depression, it is universally acknowledged that pregnant women get ill. However, drug taking in pregnancy is a contentious issue and most midwives and doctors steer clear...

Education, education, education

It has been almost 3 years since the publication and launch of the MINT project (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2010) and two things have brought this back to the forefront of my mind. The...

Healthcare system reform and professional identity

Recently I have been reflecting on my experiences as an independent midwife from 2000 to 2001 and as part of a group practice between 2001 and 2003 While at times challenging and emotionally...

Discourse on dystocia: A much needed professional dialogue

When I first read the recent article in the May issue of BJM on ‘Managing shoulder dystocia: understanding and applying the RCOG guidance’ (Jenkins, 2014), I was immediately engaged and interested in...

Should midwives measure blood loss in the fourth stage of labour?

The fourth stage of labour is defined in some research as the first 1 to 2 hours following delivery of the placenta (Kashanian et al, 2010; Gungorduk et al, 2011) However, in undertaking a literature...

Induction of labour for post-term pregnancy

Recent decades have seen a theoretical power shift from clinician authority to user autonomy alongside a public and political movement emphasising personal choice and control in relation to maternity...

Facilitating antenatal education classes in Scotland

Provision of antenatal education by registered midwives is advocated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (NMC, 2012) as a means of preparation for parenthood and is identified by government...

Using feminist phenomenology to explore women's experiences of domestic violence in pregnancy

Domestic violence and abuse against women is a global public health issue (World Health Organisation (WHO), 2010) It has a long history, exists in many cultures, and is accepted as part of everyday...

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