Public health and wellbeing: A matter for the midwife?

This paper will provide a critical narrative review of public health interventions in pregnancy and the role of the midwife in public health. The historical and political context of public health and midwifery will be examined to give a background to the current midwifery public health agenda. The article will identify specific public health interventions used in pregnancy by midwives and assess how midwives perceive their role in implementing them. Midwives are important public health practitioners, who alongside other agencies can make a long-term, positive contribution to the life course of women and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]