Improving relationships through clinical supervision: Part 2

The first part of this article focused on the way the midwife–client
relationship has evolved, and how this has affected the way midwives
relate to each other and the women for whom they care. Recent policy
initiatives (Department of Health, 1993; Department of Health, 1997) have,
to a certain extent, made midwifery practice more daunting, challenging
and complex, and some midwives have stated that they do not get the
support they require within the current model of statutory supervision
(Association of Radical Midwives, 1995; M Kirkham, 1998; personal
communication). Therefore supporting midwives and equipping them with
the skills to take innovative and truly woman-centred care forward must
become a priority. This article addresses the therapeutic relationship that
exists between midwives and their clients, and encourages supervisors of
midwives and midwifery managers to consider alternative ways that they
and their organizational structures could offer support to midwives. The
concept of clinical supervision is introduced and offered as one possible
alternative to supporting midwives, as well as to help them build on the
positive aspects of their practice.