Independent midwifery practice in India

India contributes a very high share to the global maternal mortality i.e death due to pregnancy related complications. Evidence from other countries shows that Midwifery based maternity care has reduced maternal deaths. Midwifery in India though an old profession not fully recognized by law, society, and health professionals. A study was done to determine the perception of nurse midwives regarding “Independent Midwifery Practice (IMP) in India”. From a total of 363 samples 50-70% felt that the nurse midwife can perform the various aspects of maternity care independently namely antenatal checkup, recognizing high risk pregnancies, conducting normal deliveries ,managing complications related to mother and baby during delivery. 72% of the midwives felt that registered midwives can practice independently, Mainly in setting like Primary health centre (PHC), Rural Hospital (RH), or a Govt Medical College hospital.49% opined that the nurse midwife can run her own maternity home, among them majority felt that higher training is required with an additional 2-3 years field experience.56% of the midwives said other medical professionals in the field will support IMP. 88% of midwives have answered positively for a govt post of midwifery practitioner. This shows high level of confidence in the midwives for IMP.