Alternative therapies offer more say in care

Alternative medicine is holistic in its approach to the individual. Orthodox medicine, in contrast, is biomedical, viewing the body mechanistically. Alternative therapies are not without risk, and many are an unknown quantity. Mothers often feel that their own wants and values are disregarded because of professional or administrative pressure. Midwives should not prescribe alternative medicines or practise any therapies unless properly trained and then only if it is not in breach of hospital or health authority policy. Increasingly, midwives are involved in formulating new policies, so enabling the promotion of beneficial change.