Expanding the midwifery role : an action research project

In recent years there have been several examinations of the current and future position of childbirth services in Australia. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) 'Options for Effective Care in Childbirth' (1 996) and the 1999 'Senate Inquiry into Childbirth Practices' have encouraged midwives and other health professionals to examine health outcomes, services and strategies for enhancement of care for women in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. An important outcome of reviews such as those mentioned is the suggestion for new models of care that require increased responsibility for midwives.