Complementary therapies and midwifery practice.

A midwife's priority is the optimum well-being of mothers and babies: complementary therapies offer a range of additional tools if used judiciously, but can be dangerous if misused. Midwives should keep up-to-date with contemporary practice by learning about complementary therapies and anticipating demand before it arises. Midwives must refer to the UKCC publications to understand professional accountability in relation to complementary therapies. There is a need for more research into complementary therapies, and midwives should consider undertaking and publishing their own trials in order to widen the body of knowledge.