Complementary therapy and the midwife

The UKCC recognises that midwives may become qualified in non-traditional therapies. One of the major difficulties for a practitioner advancing into a new field of practice is determining her/his competence. As new therapies develop, there is not initially the expertise to determine the accepted standards of care and practice. Vicarious liability depends on whether the midwife is acting in the course of her employment when she is carrying out the therapy. The midwife has a legal duty to respect the mother's wishes and choices. It is essential for the midwife to keep comprehensive, clear records on any agreement with the mother over the use of complementary therapies.