What is an 'LMC' midwife?

An 'LMC' midwife refers to a Lead Maternity Carer. This designation is significant within the New Zealand midwifery framework, as LMC midwives are responsible for providing care throughout a woman's pregnancy, labor, and postnatal period. They take a primary role in managing the woman's maternity care and ensuring continuity. This model supports the philosophy of midwifery practice that emphasizes individualized care and the development of a trusting relationship between the midwife and the family.

LMC midwives can work in various settings, including home births, primary care facilities, and hospitals, thus allowing for flexible and woman-centered care that accommodates the preferences and needs of expectant mothers. Their role is distinct from specialists in surgical procedures or midwives confined to hospital settings, as LMCs are focused on comprehensive, community-based maternity care. This term is crucial for understanding the structure of maternity services in New Zealand and the importance of midwives in supporting women's health across the maternity continuum.