Bringing a new life into this world is equal parts incredible and anxiety-inducing at the same time. It’s common to experience heightened emotions, uncertainty and vulnerability, which is why building trust between midwives and expecting mothers is so important. Midwives go beyond the role of traditional healthcare professionals and offer expert advice, emotional support and care throughout the prenatal period and beyond.

The key to any relationship starts with effective communication and active listening. Midwives need to understand a mother’s concerns, preferences and anxieties from the outset and validate her feelings while at the same time providing reassurance when needed.

From the very first consultation, midwives are trained to explain medical terms and procedures in a way that expecting mothers can easily understand, ensuring that all questions are answered with patience and empathy. This allows expectant mothers to make informed decisions, whether discussing birth plans, pain management options, or potential complications. By understanding the risks and benefits of each option, mothers can make decisions that align with their personal preferences and values. This includes acknowledging the importance of cultural sensitivity and supporting the mother in making choices that respect her background and beliefs. This collaborative decision-making process helps women feel more in control of their birth experience, which can reduce stress and anxiety and place trust in their midwife.

One of the most important ways midwives build trust is through continuity of care. Seeing the same midwife throughout pregnancy, labour and postnatal period has been shown to improve the quality of care and the birth outcomes. It encourages a much deeper and more personalised relationship, which results in better understanding and trust.

When a woman sees the same midwife throughout her pregnancy, she feels more comfortable and confident, knowing she has a familiar, supportive person guiding her through each stage. The midwife understands her needs, preferences and concerns, ensuring that care is tailored to her situation. This consistency provides the mother with a sense of security, knowing that her midwife is fully invested in her well-being and is always there to offer ongoing support.

Continuity of care also reduces the emotional strain that comes with meeting a new healthcare provider at each different stage of pregnancy. Expecting mothers can build a rapport with their midwife over time, making it easier to discuss sensitive topics or address any concerns that arise. This strong, ongoing relationship allows mothers-to-be to approach their birthing experience with greater confidence.

One of the key aspects of a healthy pregnancy and birth is education and this responsibility lies with the healthcare provider. By sharing knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care, midwives ensure women have the tools they need to make confident decisions and feel in control of their own care.
Education begins early in pregnancy, with midwives offering guidance on topics such as nutrition, exercise and emotional well-being. They discuss the stages of labour, explain what to expect during birth, and offer advice on pain management options, so mothers can prepare for their birthing experience and embrace it on their terms. This knowledge reduces fear of the unknown and what’s to come and allows women to confidently write their birth plan. This can be personalised around their values and preferences, which midwives can guide as their relationship develops throughout the pregnancy. It also reinforces the importance of trusting their instincts, ensuring they feel like active participants in their care rather than passive recipients.

Finally, midwives build trust through emotional support and care. Pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming, with lots of emotional highs and lows, which midwives are trained to recognise. They can help women navigate challenges and uncertainties, offering support and encouragement to get them through moments of fear or doubt.

Whether it's holding a mother’s hand during labour, providing calming words, or simply being present when she needs someone to talk to, midwives provide an invaluable sense of emotional safety. Their ability to offer this compassionate support forms a deep bond, helping women feel secure and more in control of their experience.

Midwives are also skilled in recognising and addressing mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or stress, which may arise during pregnancy. They offer guidance and referrals to mental health professionals when needed, ensuring that emotional well-being is prioritised alongside physical health.
Through effective communication, continuity of care, education and emotional support, midwives create a strong, supportive relationship that empowers mothers and helps them feel confident and secure throughout their journey. By building trust, midwives not only improve birth outcomes but also provide the emotional and practical support necessary for mothers to navigate one of the most important experiences of their lives.