Midwifery: home and away

The challenges faced by birthing women and maternity healthcare professionals in developing countries cannot not be over estimated. The experience of a midwife in a rural Tanzanian hospital described in this article gives a small insight into these challenges. With intermittent electricity, no running water, three beds, 20 births per day and lack of midwifery or obstetric education, morbidity and mortality rates are high, and teaching is difficult. Conversely, where monitoring is minimalistic and time limits are not applied, 'normal birth' is truly the norm and the trust in women to grow and birth their babies is consistent and commendable. Reflection upon midwifery in developing countries can help inform attitudes and practice in the UK.