A member of the profession which provides care and advice during pregnancy, supervises the mother’s labour and delivery, and looks after her and the baby after birth (see also PREGNANCY AND LABOUR). Should a pregnancy or labour develop complications, the midwife will seek medical advice. Most midwives are registered general nurses who have also done an 18month course in midwifery. Trained midwives are registered with the UK Central Council for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting and work in hospitals or a domiciliary setting. Midwives practise in hospitals, health units or in a domiciliary (home) setting.
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