‘As I had the chance to observe birth after birth, I was fast becoming convinced that we humans have important lessons to learn from the very species that so many of our most outspoken ancestors have encouraged us to scorn—the other primates. Nothing that I have learned since becoming a midwife has undercut this conviction’.

Although obstetric acupuncture tends not to be available on the NHS, for the last two years Katherine Allen, a midwife acupuncturist, and George Cooper, a Bristol based acupuncturist, have collaborated to provide affordable acupuncture for pregnant and postnatal women and their babies in the Bristol area.

There has been increasing interest in the use of an epidural for pain relief where major abdominal surgery has been performed.

The latest practice development tool to be added to MIDIRS Student is an introduction to the human umbilical cord and its development, composition and function in supporting the growth of the fetus in utero.

A new, monthly publication aimed at those working with women, babies and their families has been launched.