Oxford Handbook of Midwifery (15 page)

SIMV synchronous intermittent ventilation SOM supervisor of midwives

SROM spontaneous rupture of the membranes STI sexually transmitted infection

TBM transcutaneous bilirubinometer

xxvii

xxviii

SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

TEDS thrombo-embolic deterrent stockings TENS transcutaneous nerve stimulation

U/E urea and electrolytes

VBAC vaginal birth following previous caesarean VTE venous thromboembolism

WHO World Health Organization

Part 1
‌

Introduction

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Chapter 1

3‌

Introduction

Definition of a midwife
4

Role of the midwife
5

Principles for record keeping
6
Statutory midwifery supervision
8
Role of supervisor of midwives
9

Role of the LSA and LSA midwifery officer
10

Drug administration in midwifery
12

CHAPTER 1
Introduction

4‌‌

Definition of a midwife

The official definition of a midwife comes from the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM):
¹

‘
A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational programme, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practise midwifery.

The midwife is recognised as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct

births on the midwife’s own responsibility and to provide care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventative measures, the promotion