Note: This article was originally published in our Winter 2019 edition of our On Call newsletter, and has not been updated.
The College has created a new guiding document for midwives on Mediating Risk in Caring for Related Persons & Others Close to Midwives. Click here for the guide.
Midwives provide care during what is often considered to be a profound family event. Midwives may be asked to be involved in the care of related persons or others close to them during this important time. In these instances, the unique midwife/client relationship requires thoughtful consideration of the role of a midwife as primary care provider as well as a friend, family member, or colleague. While midwives may have good intentions in providing treatment, it is possible that a personal or close relationship can compromise their emotional and clinical objectivity and judgment. For this reason, it is generally discouraged.
The purpose of this guide is to assist midwives in understanding those circumstances where they have discretion to decide whether to provide care to family members and others close to them and if so, what factors should be taken into consideration in making that decision. The factors described are not intended to be an exhaustive list of considerations, as other considerations may arise which will require a midwife’s attention.