A. Midwives work in partnership with women and their chosen support community throughout the caregiving relationship.
B. Midwives respect the dignity, rights, and the ability of the women they serve to act responsibly throughout the caregiving relationship.
C. Midwives work as autonomous practitioners, collaborating with other health and social service providers when necessary
D. Midwives understand that physical, emotional, psycho-social and spiritual factors synergistically comprise the health of individuals and affect the childbearing process.
E. Midwives understand that female physiology and childbearing are normal processes, and work to optimize the well-being of mothers and their developing babies as the foundation of caregiving.
F. Midwives understand that the childbearing experience is primarily a personal, social and community event.
G. Midwives recognize that a woman is the only direct care provider for herself and her unborn baby; thus the most important determinant of a healthy pregnancy is the mother herself.
H. Midwives recognize the empowerment inherent in the childbearing experience and strive to support women to make informed decisions and take responsibility for their own well-being.
I. Midwives strive to insure vaginal birth and provide guidance and support when appropriate to facilitate the spontaneous process of pregnancy, labor, and birth, utilizing medical intervention only as necessary.
J. Midwives synthesize clinical observations, theoretical knowledge, intuitive assessment and spiritual awareness as components of a competent decision making process.
K. Midwives value continuity of care throughout the childbearing cycle and strive to maintain continuous care within realistic limits.
L. Midwives understand that the parameters of "normal" vary widely and recognize that each pregnancy and birth are unique.
