The University of Salford Midwifery Society Magazine Semester 3

Midwifery Society Aromatherapy
Workshop 2020
The history of midwifery is fascinating. Women in the 16th century were
classified as witches, simply for possessing the skills to help bring new
life into the world and utilising concoctions of common plants and herbs
to treat gynaecological problems (Ehrenriech
and English, 2010). In contrast with the past,
present day midwives can be any gender,
are highly educated in all things pregnancy
related and are highly regarded in society,
even if most of their work does seem to occur
once the moon is high. Whilst the reputation
of the midwife has changed significantly over
the years, the skills required to help guide a
labouring person through pregnancy remain mostly unchanged. This is
perhaps owed to a practically unchanging human physiology.
Midwives now take great pride in providing care that is personalised,
humanistic and aims to meet the needs of each birthing person as best
as possible. Additionally, Midwives work towards a professional set of
guidelines known as the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) Code
of conduct, which states that care should be safe,
effective, professional and individual to people’s
needs (NMC, 2018).
A good rapport between midwife and
birthing person is integral to the provision
of individualised care. Some birthing people
want silence, whilst others may prefer loud music; some want to stand
whilst other may kneel; some may cry out in pain whilst others go in
on themselves (Myles, 2014). There is no wrong or right way to labour.
However, having a midwife who is trained in alternative therapies
can provide extra support. This may help both the labourer and the
practitioner to enjoy a respectful and comforting birth space.