When it comes to maternity care, one thing is clear: women, babies, and families benefit most when healthcare professionals work together. As a midwife, I have witnessed first-hand the power of collaboration. I also had the opportunity to contribute to a joint initiative between the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the General Medical Council (GMC), and service users in helping with a resource hub that promotes effective teamwork in maternity care.
This project reinforced a core truth of midwifery: safe, person-centred care doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built through strong communication, mutual respect, and shared learning among professionals who bring different skills but one common goal- putting women and families at the centre of everything we do.
Why Teamwork Matters in Maternity Care
Multidisciplinary teams in maternity settings include midwives, obstetricians, GPs, neonatal nurses, anaesthetists, mental health professionals, and more. While our roles differ, our care must align. When teamwork functions well, outcomes improve and when it breaks down, the consequences can be serious.
The NMC Code highlights the importance of collaboration, professionalism, and respectful communication. This guidance isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating the conditions where every woman feels heard, supported, and safe throughout her pregnancy journey.
Learning from Real Practice
As part of this project, a family I have worked with help demonstrate what effective teamwork looks like in real-life maternity settings. This story reveals how open communication, clear roles, and a shared commitment to learning help teams overcome challenges and provide compassionate, safe care.
Co-Producing with Maternity Service Users
Insights from service users remind us that while we bring clinical expertise, women and families are the experts in their own experiences. Co-production isn’t optional, it’s essential for truly person-centred care.
By listening to women’s voices and embedding their perspectives into professional guidance, we’re better equipped to meet their needs with empathy and effectiveness.
Reflection Leads to Better Practice
Whether you’re a newly qualified midwife or an experienced practitioner, reflection is key. The maternity hub invites all professionals to think about how they contribute to team culture, and where improvements can be made.
Ask yourself:
- Do I communicate clearly and respectfully with my team?
- Am I learning from those in different roles?
- Do I advocate for those in my care, especially when care becomes complex?
The answers to these questions shape not only the care we provide but also the kind of team members—and midwives—we become.
Final Thoughts
Being part of this collaborative effort with the NMC, GMC, and patients reminded me why I entered midwifery in the first place: to support women at one of the most life-changing times of their lives. But we don’t do this alone. It takes a team– united by trust, respect, and a shared vision of safe, kind, and effective care.
Let’s continue learning from one another and from the people we care for. Together, we can keep making maternity care better for everyone. Check out the links below for more info!
Good teamwork means better maternity care – The Nursing and Midwifery Council