[Philosophy of Practice]

The Midwifery Model of Care acknowledges the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Care involves the midwife and the mother/pregnant person developing a trusting relationship. 

Beneficence & Non-Maleficence 

The mother/pregnant person is the expert on their body and their needs. The midwife has a duty to be well-informed and up-to-date on relevant midwifery information and provide this information to their clients. Midwifery model of care strives to minimize technological interventions. Prenatal care itself is an intervention and I strive to balance beneficence (benefit) with non-Maleficence (not harming) when providing care to pregnant and birthing people. 

Autonomy & Justice

The midwife and mother/pregnant person share in decision-making at every step of care through face-to-face conversations during clinic/home visits, electronic conversations, and resource sharing. Mothers/pregnant people have a right to informed consent and informed refusal of all tests and procedures. I provide personalized education without judgement or coercion.

Bodily autonomy is at the center of this shared decision-making partnership and when a situation goes outside the scope, comfort, or personal conscience of the midwife, the client deserves respect and appropriate referrals.  

Reference

Citizens for Midwifery. (2017). The midwives model of care.  https://www.citizensformidwifery.org/mmoc 
Updated August 2023