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A ‘with woman’ concept demands antecedents of sound midwifery knowledge and competent skills. The integrative review by Bradfield et al. (2018a,b) of this concept has identified the attribute of a dynamic developing process of this construct. The authors suggest a transference of power to the woman through effective informed decision making and facilitation of ‘space’ by the midwife that enables this process (Dolin 2017). However, much of the literature that explores related concepts, such as ‘women centred care’, can have a wide variation in how this is interpreted. Leap (2009) suggests that whilst contesting meanings of the term, the focus should be on shifting the locus of control to the woman, in meeting her individual needs through safe, supportive and gentle care.

The phenomenological study by Bradfield et al. (2019b) indicates that midwives consider the ‘with woman’ phenomenon as an essential element to the practice and identity of their profession. Midwifery knowledge and experience informs their skills underpinned by a ‘with woman’ philosophy that defines and identifies them as experts in their field. Being ‘with woman’ in contemporary midwifery as best practice needs to be recognised, maintained and disseminated to future generations of midwives (Power et al. 2016). In addition, maintaining a therapeutic partnership with women and their families requires advanced, effective communication skills to provide advocacy for women with knowledge and confidence (Bradfield et al. 2019a, Bradfield et al. 2019b). The mother and midwife relationship through continuity of care provides midwives with greater flexibility and responsibility, leading to improved maternal satisfaction (Astrup 2016).