Standards for Practice

The New Zealand College of Midwives’ Philosophy and Code of Ethics are the foundation of midwifery practice.

The Standards of Practice are developed from the Philosophy and Code of Ethics to form the basis of midwifery practice and provide the framework in which midwives conduct their professional activities.

The midwifery process is the analysis of a series of actions that are essential to the development and maintenance of the midwifery partnership with women.

The Standards of Practice are listed below. The ten standards with the criteria for each are published in the Midwives Handbook for Practice

The Midwives Handbook for Practice can be purchased from the NZCOM National Office, click here to download the order form, alternatively contact nzcom@nzcom.org.nz

STANDARD ONE: The midwife works in partnership with the woman.

STANDARD TWO: The midwife upholds each woman’s right to free and informed choice and consent throughout the childbirth experience.

STANDARD THREE: The midwife collates and documents comprehensive assessments of the woman and/or baby’s health and wellbeing.

STANDARD FOUR: The midwife maintains purposeful, on going, updated records and makes them available to the woman and other relevant persons.

STANDARD FIVE: Midwifery care is planned with the woman.

STANDARD SIX: Midwifery actions are prioritised and implemented appropriately with no midwifery action or omission placing the woman at risk.

STANDARD SEVEN: The midwife is accountable to the woman, to herself, to the midwifery profession and to the wider community for her practice.

STANDARD EIGHT: The midwife evaluates her practice.

STANDARD NINE: The midwife negotiates the completion of the midwifery partnership with the woman.

STANDARD TEN: The midwife develops and shares midwifery knowledge and initiates and promotes research.