Principles for supporting women's choices in maternity care
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and its partners are encouraging maternity leaders across the UK to embed new principles designed to support safer, more person-centred care for women and babies.
Following collaboration with maternity service users and stakeholders across the four nations of the UK, we have launched our coproduced Principles for Supporting Women’s Choices in Maternity Care.
Why the principles were developed
The principles have been developed in response to a changing maternity landscape, with more women seeking personalised care and, in some cases, making choices outside standard care pathways. For example, there is emerging evidence that freebirths, sometimes supported by unregulated people, are increasing across the UK.
How the principles help
Grounded in real-world practice, these evidence-based principles provide supportive information for midwives and employers navigating complex care scenarios. This will help ensure professionals can support women’s individual choices while delivering safe, high-quality, person-centred care in line with the NMC Code and standards.
The principles have been designed so the supporting information can be used in any setting or situation. They set out how organisations can support staff when care is declined, requested outside of guidance, or involves unregulated people. They also explain the distinct roles and responsibilities of midwives and doulas, so everyone involved knows who does what and women can make informed choices and decisions about their care.
Collaboration and stakeholder input
The NMC and its partners have considered the views of women across the UK, as well as a wide range of stakeholders, including the Chief Midwifery Officers, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and midwives working with ambulance services. This work has also been informed by the voices of service users and wider maternity community organisations.
Learn more
Read the principles for supporting women's choices in maternity care
Egwyddorion ar gyfer cefnogi dewisiadau menywod mewn gofal mamolaeth
Egwyddorion ar gyfer cefnogi dewisiadau menywod mewn gofal mamolaeth – Hawdd ei Ddeall
NMC and Doula UK discuss the differing roles of a midwife and a doula
The NMC has teamed up with Doula UK to launch a new video resource – clarifying the distinct roles that midwives and doulas play for women and families.
The video series bring together Jacqui Williams, the NMC’s Senior Midwifery Advisor, and Leila Baker, Doula UK Director. They shed light on the differences between the professions, as well as how the professions can work together to support positive maternity experiences, and how women can access support from both.
Webinar: Principles for supporting women’s choices in maternity care
This webinar outlines the principles and research findings, and also hosts a panel presentation from Doula UK, the National Police Chiefs' Council and the London Ambulance Service.
