Global Midwifery: Principles, Policy and Practice

This textbook is the first authoritative, in-depth publication aboutglobal midwifery and the contribution of skilled professional midwivesto the provision of high quality maternity care, reductions inmaternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. It demonstratesactions that are contributing to the achievement of the 2030 SustainableDevelopment Goals through partnership with women and theirfamilies, enabling them to 'survive, thrive and transform'. The textbook explores how the world is becoming more connectedthrough globalisation, advances in technology and innovation and yetmore inequitable as women and children are disproportionately affectedby issues such as poverty, environmental vulnerability, hunger,conflict, violence, and discrimination. It considers how midwivescontribute to maternal and newborn health, leading to greater equityand empowerment and, ultimately, strengthening health systems. The 'three pillars' of midwifery are discussed: regulation, education andprofessional midwives' associations. The importance of evidence-basedcare is explored along with diff erent models of midwifery and thechallenges of developing professional leadership. This textbookalso considers women's human rights to sexual and reproductivehealth and respectful maternity care, stressing the importance of culturalsensitivity and contextually appropriate approaches. Midwives and other professionals will benefi t from this reliableresource that indicates direction and provides information about theprinciples and practice of professional midwifery. This text also providesuniversities, organisations, and individuals with a highly relevantresource to better equip them for international midwifery practice. Itfinally offers policy makers a reliable source of evidence-basedinformation for consideration in various evolving national andinternational situations.