This book explores the lived experiences of newly qualified midwives working in free-standing birth centres, highlighting the emotional, professional, and sociological aspects of their journeys from novices to confident practitioners in an out-of-hospital setting. As newly qualified midwives transition from their educational settings to the low-tech environment in their free-standing birth centre, they broaden their skill set, develop hands-on skills, and learn, for example, to care for labouring women without continuous fetal monitoring.

This book spotlights the skills needed to work in free-standing birth centres and the importance of becoming well integrated into a team, which, in turn, allows newly qualified midwives to build confidence in their abilities and offer comprehensive care to women and their families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Capturing the skill acquisition, learning, and professional identity development of newly qualified midwives, this thoughtful book emphasises the critical role of mentorship from experienced midwives and the supportive environment for midwives and families in free-standing birth centres, many of which also offer home birth services.

This book is an essential contribution to the literature around midwifery practice, with an emphasis on physiological birth, continuity of care, skill acquisition, and professional identity development. It will be of use to students, practitioners, and scholars with an interest in these areas.