“In all cultures, the midwife’s place is on the threshold of life, where intense human emotions, fear, hope, longing, triumph, and incredible physical power-enable a new human being to emerge. Her vocation is unique” Sheila Kitzinger
At the heart of Midwifery practice lies woman-centred care. The mission of this research group is to develop a consensus definition of woman-centred care which could be used to inform midwifery practice, policy, education and research.
Evidence-based Definition of Woman-centred Care
“Woman-centred care ensures the woman has choice and control in her childbearing experience. Relationships built on reciprocal trust and respect foster empowerment, which recognises the woman’s innate ability to meet her own needs. This is upheld through evidence-based shared and informed decision-making that supports the woman to navigate complex health systems and ultimately improves health outcomes for both the woman and neonate” (Brady et al., 2024).