For vulnerable families, continued postnatal care, provided by family midwives, is associated with improved maternal care and parent–child relationship
- Department of Social Policy and Social Work, School of Sociology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- Correspondence to: Dr Anne Lazenbatt
Department of Social Policy and Social Work, School of Sociology, Queen's University Belfast, Room 1.027, 6 College Park, Belfast BT7 1LP, Northern Ireland, UK; a.lazenbatt{at}qub.ac.uk
Commentary on: Ayerle GM, Makowsky K, Schücking BA. Key role in the prevention of child neglect and abuse in Germany: continuous care by qualified family midwives. Midwifery 2012;28:E469–77.
Implications for practice and research
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This paper illustrates how findings from two related studies can enhance nursing and midwifery practice through the evaluation of the effectiveness of a family midwives (FMs) intervention.
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Midwives educated about the health impact of infant maltreatment can be trained to support and strengthen maternal competencies in caring and relating to their infants’ needs.
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FMs learn more about the multiple risk factors that families have to cope with, can promote stronger infant–parent relationships and support parents in meeting their children's nutritional and well-being needs.
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Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of a universal FM service to provide the opportunities for positive, non-violent family interactions, as appropriate treatments to meet the …
