Includes bibliographical references and index.

Effective communication / Tandy Deane-Gray -- The aims of antenatal care / Laura Abbott -- Programmes of care during childbirth / Laura Abbott -- Interdisciplinary working: seamless working within maternity care / Eileen Huish & Lisa Nash -- Intrapartum care / Annabel Jay & Cathy Hamilton -- Effective emergency care / Caroline Duncombe, Meryl Dimmock & Sarah Green -- Initial assessment and examination of the newborn baby / Lyn Dolby -- Effective postnatal care / Annabel Jay -- Medication and the midwife / Cathy Hamilton -- Effective documentation / Carole Yearley, Celia Wildeman & Chandra Mehta -- Regulating the midwifery profession: protecting women or the profession? / Christine Lawrence & Carole Yearley -- The impact of cultural issues on the practice of midwifery / Celia Wildeman -- Legislation and the midwife / Cathy Hamilton & Lisa Nash -- Confidentiality / Celia Wildeman -- Clinical decision-making / Marianne Mead -- Health, safety and environmental issues / Lisa Nash -- Evidence-based practice / Marianne Mead -- Statutory supervision of midwives / Kath Mannion -- Clinical governance framework and quality assurance in relation to midwifery care / Cathy Rogers, Sally Luck & Nada Schiavone.