Reviews
"This powerful book, beautifully brought together by Diane Menage and Jenny Patterson, begins by exploring the complexity of love, then turns to how it can be lived out in practice through the five languages of touch, acts, words, time, and gifts, before concluding with the wider context of love in the midwifery profession. Each chapter feels like a wave of clarity, courageous and compassionate, underpinned by evidence yet deeply human. It reassures, inspires, and offers a practical way forward—not just for midwives, but for anyone working in the birthing world, shaping maternity care, or reviewing policy."
Iola Aaron in The Practising Midwife September 2025
"This book outlines the importance of care within a profession that is grounded in relationships, connections and emotions. At a point in time where human connection is increasingly difficult to find, this book considers how love underpins a profession that must strive to ‘see’ the person beyond the system, and value the deep and powerful relationships that are built within midwifery.
In their introduction, editors Ménage and Patterson address the hesitancy expressed as they gathered views during the planning of their book. They confront this hesitancy with a recognition that ‘within healthcare, words such as compassion, empathy, kindness and respect are deemed acceptable, but love is a rarely used yet powerful-four letter word’ (p.3). They go on to consider the ‘complexities of power differentials’ and ‘appropriate use of boundaries’ within the profession. The word ‘love’ is certainly not used lightly in this book; it is used intentionally and the use of the word is justified through the chapters and by the professionals who share their experiences.
Each chapter explores reflections and provides insights that underscore how love is embedded into aspects of clinical practice through relationships, advocacy, listening and building trust with families. The book considers, in three parts, how love forms a fundamental aspect of practice, not through romanticised notions or sentimentality, but from a deeply human position; how we respond to each other, build connections and ultimately do our best by one another.
PART 1: LOVE IN CONTEXT Beginning with a consideration of ‘what do we mean by love?’, the chapters in Part One explore definitions of love and what it means within the context of midwifery. Love is explored through historical and religious perspectives, through concepts relating to compassion, spirituality, philosophy, physiology, psychology etc, all of which consider how love ‘manifests’ (p.21) and how this relates to maternity care. Through interprofessional explorations of love authors and contributors consider the importance of the humanisation of childbirth, and the importance of continuing the conversation within midwifery. ‘Love in Context’ provides a helpful visual of love as a diamond ‘with its different facets, sparkling in different colours’ (p.27).
PART 2: ‘LOVE IN PRACTICE’ ‘Love in practice’ offers an exploration of ‘love as touch’, with touch defined as an action that connects us to the world and how this not only facilitates love and connection but also promotes a sense of calm and comfort. The practice of touch is considered sensitively, whilst recognising that it can support the development of trusting relationships between midwives and families, it also reflects on how ‘touch preferences can change from moment to moment’ (p.57). This inclusive approach continues throughout this section with reflexivity in practice explored, and a call for midwives to continue this reflective journey of ‘slow midwifery’ (p.94) and to ‘challenge biases within themselves’ (p.73).
PART 3 – LOVE IN THE PROFESSION Part 3 explores the complexities of self-identity within midwifery, considering the huge pressures and challenges in the profession that can leave little room for ‘self-care’ and can contribute to ‘burnout’ and ‘compassion fatigue’ (p.123). The essential component of strong, loving midwifery leadership is considered here, along with the way that supervision feedback can contribute deeply to self-worth and identity within maternity care. This section highlights the significance of colleagues in our daily lives. It emphasises that wellbeing is closely linked to the quality of ‘social connections’ (p.133) formed in the workplace.
This book challenges notions that love is an emotional concept to be avoided within practice, considering instead, the importance of interaction that is grounded in compassion and respectful maternity care. An important contribution is made to discussions regarding examples of dehumanising practices, particularly regarding disparities in maternity care, providing recommendations about culturally responsive, equitable, and anti-racist midwifery practice. This book sets out the importance of prioritising individualised care within midwifery, recognising and celebrating uniqueness and considering the qualities and skills needed from those working within it. When ‘Love and Midwifery’ is viewed through a lens of ethical practice, it can be seen, as it is throughout this book, as a durable commitment to a hopeful, inclusive and sustainable future."
Dr Helen Simmons, Deputy Editor, IJBPE; Course Leader MA in Infant and Family Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Northampton, UK
Book Review, IJBPE, vol 13, issue 3, 2026
“In this age of fear and uncertainty ‘Love and Midwifery’ feels very timely. Diane Menage and Jenny Patterson craft a testament to what is wonderful about midwifery. They assert that what underpins compassionate, kind, person centred care is love. This is not love of the ‘rainbow and unicorn variety’, but love that holds a strong, grounded safe space, love that guides women and their families through the liminal zone, the ‘red in tooth and claw’ zone, of birth and transition to parenthood.
The book is a collection of chapters by a number of authors and all bring their unique personal perspective to the concept.
The deep philosophy of Elizabeth Newnham’s chapter took a number of readings, but is probably my favourite- its key message that loving practice enables us to ‘let otherness be’ is powerful and something we all have to remind ourselves of.
Sheila and Anna Byrom’s chapter on love for our colleagues facilitating team cohesion and being an antidote to incivility and bullying should essential reading for PMAs and student midwives as they near qualification.
Indy Luna’s chapter brought her very practical perspective as a midwife practicing in Ethiopia where she explores midwifery as social activism and a challenge to social injustice.
Diane’s chapter on professional issues discussed the concept of research being a form of love- that love is required to put in the energy needed to make the effort to find an answer to a question through research- blew my mind! Research has such a dry and dusty image but this idea that it’s drive to solve problems is part of loving practice feels revolutionary.
There is so much more to the book than what I have highlighted here. If you are a midwife, student midwife, or are just interested in maternity care and women’s health, I urge you to read this. It will lift your loving soul on the days when that is flagging and make you remember why you keep doing what you do”.
Sophie, Midwifery Lecturer, England, UK
“A beautifully compassionate exploration into the role of love and its impact on all within today’s midwifery care. Supported by relevant theory and offering tips to enhance practice “Love and Midwifery “ is an absolute must read for all those in, or interested in, the profession with a common goal to provide safe effective loving care”.
Jane, Midwife 14/09/2025 England, UK
“As a midwifery educator this insightful read belongs on every first year midwifery reading list and has the power to transform the way we approach contemporary midwifery education and maternity care”.
Rachel, Midwifery Educator. 20/09/2025 England, UK
“Incredible read. A seminal piece for contemporary midwifery practice. A beautiful insight into all elements of the midwifery profession in which the highs and lows are explored and the golden thread of love weaves its way throughout. Highly recommend!”
Maxine, Midwifery Educator 25/09/2025 England, UK
“Reading Love and Midwifery has affected me in a way I did not expect. I am excited. Here is a scholarly, well researched, carefully considered book from an academic publisher that has unexpectedly excited me. I will try to explain my excitement.
- The title; a bold statement of what the book is about, no mincing words, no concessions to those who might find the juxtaposition of the words ‘love’ and ‘midwifery’ challenging.
- The relevance of the subject matter. This is stuff that needs to be brought to attention, needs to be said out-loud to counteract the stigma that has stifles the consideration of love in a professional context.
- The repetitious and blatant use of that shocking four-letter word. The authors did not limit their vocabulary to easier options such as ‘compassion’, ‘empathy’, ‘caring’ and other aspects of the power word: LOVE.
- The courage of all who contributed to this book. They risked being dismissed or ignored by those who think that love is not appropriate to the serious business of birthing.
Love And Midwifery speaks powerfully about the systemic issues that can lead to poor outcomes for both service users and providers. This excites me and gives me hope. This is revolutionary. This is an act of resistance. As Claire Feeley puts it her Foreword, these authors are “resisting the status quo of institutionalized, technocratic, task-based clinical activities.”
My heartfelt thanks to all of the contributors. Bravo!”
M. Thomas, 29/09/2025 Australia
I wanted to share how much your book means to me. It’s probably the first midwifery book I’ve read in a long time that has truly met all my needs, as a midwife, a woman and most importantly a researcher. I did my research for my MSc on midwives experiences working with doulas. It was fascinating to hear what midwives truly felt around the role of the doula and what the midwives were missing out on when there was a doula in the room. For a long time now I’ve been stuck with what I want to do further research in, but your book has ignited me in my passion for the role of the midwife and the impact they can have when there is compassion. So this is a thank you. It’s truly a wonderful book. I guest lectured student midwives recently on leadership and I loved sharing your book with them! Everyone should read it!!
Katie, Consultant Midwife
After years of eye rolling, teeth sucking and screwed up faces telling me that ‘love’ has no place in midwifery, I am super chuffed to see it finally being named and celebrated in the wonderful ‘Love & Midwifery.’ Because the truth is, I do love my clients, a little bit, and I always have. Not sentimentality, and not in a way that blurs boundaries or clouds judgement, but the quiet, steadfast commitment to showing up fully, with skill and with heart. It is what drives you to sit with someone in their hardest moments, to hold space for their fears and celebrate their strength. Love, in midwifery, is not an unprofessional indulgence. It is, I believe, at the very heart of what makes truly excellent care possible, and every midwife who has ever practised this way deserves to have that vindicated. If you haven’t read it already, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.”
Sally, Midwife