Community Care: Added Value at No Extra Cost

In a difficult economic climate it is not always possible to restructure or resource existing services run by community midwives. However, it is possible to create and carry through small projects at little cost that improve continuity of care and choice for women, and promote normality. Improving contact with community midwives, adapting antenatal education and increasing awareness of the benefits of home birth are relatively easy to achieve. The benefits for community teams are increased job satisfaction, skills development and a sense of autonomy. All of this makes midwives more rounded mentors able to give students a broader learning experience.