This accessible, evidence-based book explores how important it is for midwives to understand the psychological aspects of care, in order to create positive experiences for mothers and families. The book provides simple explanations for why psychological care matters in midwifery practice and uses different theoretical perspectives of psychology to illustrate how it fundamentally contributes to good midwifery practice.The book addresses many core concepts and principles of psychology, including: O Mother-midwife relationshipO Emotions during the childbearing continuumO Perinatal mental illnessO Communications in midwifery practiceO The birth environmentO Stress and anxietyO Providing support to familiesO Attachment and bonding Reflective questions, activities, illustrations, tables, summary boxes and a glossary help readers navigate the book.Psychology for Midwives is essential reading for all midwives, students and allied health care professionals interested in the psychological dimensions of childbearing.