This week I’d like to honor midwives all over the world with a
discussion of our amazing profession. May 5 is International Day of
the Midwife, and in celebration, I’d like to discuss a few of the
Hallmarks of Midwifery, as laid out by the American College of Nurse
Midwives. While this organization is not representative of all
midwives around the world, nor even in our practice at Alaska Family
Health and birth center, I believe the hallmarks summarize well the
core of most midwifery practice.
The Hallmarks of Midwifery-
The art and science of midwifery are characterized by the following
hallmarks:
A. Recognition of menarche, pregnancy, birth, and menopause as
normal physiologic and developmental processes
B.Advocacy of non-intervention in normal processes in the absence of
complications
C.Incorporation of scientific evidence into clinical practice
D.Promotion of woman-and family-centered care
E.Empowerment of women as partners in health care
F.Facilitation of healthy family and interpersonal relationships
G.Promotion of continuity of care
H.Health promotion, disease prevention, and health education
I.Promotion of a public health care perspective
J.Care to vulnerable populations
K.Advocacy for informed choice, shared decision making, and the right
to self- determination
L.Integration of cultural humility
M.Incorporation of evidence-based complementary and alternative
therapies in education and practice
N.Skillful communication, guidance, and counseling
O.Therapeutic value of human presence
P.Collaboration with other members of the interprofessional health care
team

“Core competencies for basic midwifery practice.” American College of Nurse Midwives. Dec. 2012. http://www.midwife.org/ACNM/files/ACNMLibraryData/UPLOADFILENAME/000000000050/Core%20Comptencies%20Dec%202012.pdf

Accessed 4/29/2018