The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) is the peak professional body for midwives in Australia who are registered with, and regulated by, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The ACM’s position is that women be attended during pregnancy, birth and postnatally by a midwife who is registered with the NMBA.
The ACM supports women’s choice of homebirth for women with uncomplicated pregnancies as a safe option of maternity care with a registered midwife who has clear transfer pathways, collaborative medical referral plans and a nominated backup hospital.
The ACM recommends midwives refer to the ACM National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral and the ACM Midwives Birth at Home Midwifery Practice Standards in regard to midwifery care provided to women.
The ACM has responded to the charging of Lisa Barrett with manslaughter in connection to the deaths of two babies. Ann Kinnear, ACM CEO said “The particulars of this case is with the judicial system in South Australia so we will not offer any comment on this case. We are very saddened for the families involved and send them our thoughts and prayers”.
The ACM provides guidance in its Transfer from Planned Birth at Home Guidelines to enable timely referral and/or transfer of care to an appropriate medical practitioner and health facility.
For information about the Guidelines and Standards, go to the ACM website: www.midwives.org.au
Sarah Stewart, Midwifery Adviser, Policy and Professional Practice Unit, Australian College of Midwives
