The Australian Private Midwives Association represents midwives in private practice. The association is focused on the safety of women, the ability of women to access quality midwifery care across Australia and the partnerships between women and midwives.  APMA supports women’s choice in maternity options within a framework of quality and safety and believes in women being able to access midwives in all settings.  APMA unites all midwives seeking to provide continuity of care for women.

APMA strives to provide midwives in private practice with information relevant to their practice and advocacy in the political process.

NOTE: Current legislation before the Federal Parliament will impact greatly on midwives in private practice. APMA is engaging with the Federal Government to ensure that the voices of midwives in private practice are heard.  APMA is developing submissions to the Senate regarding this legislation. Updates will be regularly provided to members.

A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery education programme, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery.

 

The midwife is recognized as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct births on the midwife's own responsibility and to provide care for the newborn and infant. This care includes preventive measures, the promotion of normal birth, the detection of complications in mother and child, the accessing of medical or other appropriate assistance and the carrying out of emergency measures.

 

The midwife has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman, but also within the family and community. This work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and may extend to women's health, sexual or reproductive health and childcare.

 

A midwife may practice in any setting including the home, community, hospitals, clinics or health units.