Shaping the Future of Midwifery Care
Philosophy of Midwifery
Zimbabwe Confederation of Midwives believes that:
• Pregnancy and childbearing are usually normal physiological processes.
• Pregnancy and childbearing is a profound experience, which carries significant
meaning to the woman, her family, and the community.
• Midwives are the most appropriate care providers to attend childbearing women.
• Midwifery care promotes, protects, and supports women's human, reproductive and sexual health and rights, and respects ethnic and cultural diversity. It is based on.
the ethical principles of justice, equity, and respect for human dignity.
• Midwifery care is holistic and continuous in nature, grounded in an understanding of
the social, emotional, cultural, spiritual, psychological, and physical experiences of
women.
• Midwifery care is emancipatory as it protects and enhances the health and social status of women, and builds women's self confidence in their ability to cope with childbirth.
• Midwifery care takes place in partnership with women, recognizing the right to self-determination and is respectful, personalized, continuous, and non-authoritarian.
• Ethical and competent midwifery care is informed and guided by formal and continuous professional education, scientific research, and application of evidence.