Midwifery practice is based on the concepts of health and
well-being. Childbearing is seen as a normal physiologic process for the
majority of women, and a major life experience for women and their
families. Midwives work autonomously and in collaboration with other care
providers to promote health and well-being in women, babies and families.

	Midwifery practice combines the art of caring with theoretical and
research-based knowledge to enable women and babies to achieve optimal 
health from preconception, through pregnancy, labour, birth and the
postpartum/neonatal periods. Midwives use knowledge when promoting, 
protecting and supporting breastfeeding to provide the optimal
benefits for mothers and babies. Midwives provide women with current 
evidence based information to enable them to make an informed decision and 
support their informed choice by providing them with necessary information 
and assistance.

	Midwifery practice provides continuity of care between midwives
and women from preconception, through pregnancy, labour, birth, and the
postpartum period. Midwifery care takes place in partnership with women
and is provided in a manner that is holistic, flexible, creative,
empowering and supportive.

	Midwifery care should be available as a choice for all women with
uncomplicated pregnancies, regardless of geographic location,
socioeconomic status, age, cultural background, gender orientation, or
religious persuasion.

	Midwifery practice promotes decision making as a shared
responsibility between the woman, her family, and her care providers.
Midwives provide complete, current and objective information, including
relevant details of their scope of practice, to enable women to make
informed choices.

	Midwifery care may be provided in any setting. Midwives are 
committed to choice of caregiver and place of birth. However, mutual
respect and advocacy are fundamental to midwifery care to enable the woman
to give birth in the planned place of choice.



				(December 2000 revised September 2010)