Step 2

Your midwives are experts in straightforward pregnancy and birth, in breastfeeding, and in early detection and handling of the unexpected.

Midwives use their training, experience and hands-on skills – what they see, hear and feel – to support what is straightforward and to detect problems at an early stage. 
 
Angus midwives have clear protocols in place to deal with the unexpected.  These protocols have been compiled and agreed upon by midwives, supervisor of midwives, obstetricians and paediatricians.  The supervisor has an important role in developing midwifery practice, standards and policies to ensure a safe and high quality midwifery service to meet the needs of the public.  If you would like to see any of the protocols or to have more information about transfer to an obstetric unit in labour, ask a midwife.
 
Midwives in Angus have chosen to work in community maternity units because they recognise that the time and support of skilled midwives is far more important for birth than technology. 
 
Some women are much more likely to have a straightforward birth than others. These ‘low risk’ women are ideally suited to giving birth in a community maternity unit. To find out if a community maternity unit is a good option for you, even if you are not considered ‘low risk’, contact a midwife.
 
You and other people such as your partner and parents may assume that birth in an obstetric unit is the safest option. If you would like to understand more about midwifery-led care, community maternity units (also known as free-standing birth centres) and the downside of obstetric units, have a look at the article Fish Can’t See Water by Marsden Wagner.