Exploring the importance of a values-based approach to midwifery practice and its effect on communication and outcomes for women and their family.

The midwife has an essential role in providing care and guidance for women and their families throughout pregnancy, birth and the transition into parenthood. This article explores how a valuesbased approach to midwifery practice can influence women's experiences.
Adopting a values-based approach is fundamental for providing quality care — recent investigations into maternity services demonstrate the consequences when core values are absent. Reference will be made to various models of care, how midwives can be supported while applying core values and whether the values truly reflect what women want. A personal case study will be utilised to discuss the need for effective communication in midwifery practice. This will allow exploration into factors that can influence communication, such as continuity of carer and woman-centred care. A pseudonym will be used to protect the service user's confidentiality.