Respectful and compassionate care
Help people help themselves
Everyone has the right to decide
what happens to her own body.
And people can and should
take the lead in their
own care. In this way,
they can become
actively responsible
for their own health
and the health of
their communities.
Listen more than you talk
A woman often needs someone who will listen to her without judgment. And as
she talks, she may find that she has some of the answers to her problems.
T alk ope nly abo ut diffi cult subje cts
Some women feel shy, ashamed, confused, or private about their problems. This is
especially common with family problems and sex. A midwife who talks honestly
and openly about these subjects will discover that many women share the same
problems. By speaking directly and comfortably to women about their families,
sexuality, and sexual health, you will help women feel less alone, and you may
help them solve problems that have a large effect on their health.
K e e p things priv ate (co nfi de ntial)
Never tell anyone about someone else’s health or care — unless the person says it
is OK. And when you talk to women about their health, do it in a private place
where others cannot hear.
In particular, respect a woman’s privacy about subjects that may be sensitive to
her, such as sexually transmitted infections, miscarriages and abortions, and
family problems. You should never share
I will never tell
anyone what
you’ve shared
with me.
Thank you. It’s
a relief to be
able to speak
freely.
this type of information without a
woman’s permission.
There is only one time when it is OK
to share information about someone’s
health: if another health worker is caring
for the woman during an emergency,
the health worker will need to know the
woman’s health history in order to
provide safe and effective care.
A midwife must keep what she
knows about a woman private.
A Book for Midwives (2010)
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