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In this first paper in a series of four papers on midwifery, we aimed to examine, comprehensively and systematically, the contribution midwifery can make to the quality of care of women and infants globally, and the role of midwives and others in providing midwifery care. Drawing on international definitions and current practice, we mapped the scope of midwifery. We then developed a framework for quality maternal and newborn care using a mixed-methods approach including synthesis of findings from systematic reviews of women's views and experiences, effective practices, and maternal and newborn care providers. The framework differentiates between what care is provided and how and by whom it is provided, and describes the care and services that childbearing women and newborn infants need in all settings. We identified more than 50 short-term, medium-term, and long-term outcomes that could be improved by care within the scope of midwifery; reduced maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, reduced stillbirth and preterm birth, decreased number of unnecessary interventions, and improved psychosocial and public health outcomes. Midwifery was associated with more efficient use of resources and improved outcomes when provided by midwives who were educated, trained, licensed, and regulated. Our findings support a system-level shift from maternal and newborn care focused on identification and treatment of pathology for the minority to skilled care for all. This change includes preventive and supportive care that works to strengthen women's capabilities in the context of respectful relationships, is tailored to their needs, focuses on promotion of normal reproductive processes, and in which first-line management of complications and accessible emergency treatment are provided when needed. Midwifery is pivotal to this approach, which requires effective interdisciplinary teamwork and integration across facility and community settings. Future planning for maternal and newborn care systems can benefit from using the quality framework in planning workforce development and resource allocation.

My research questions are: 'How is childbearing constructed and experienced by Chinese and Scottish women having babies in Scotland?' and 'How may we explain any differences within and between the two groups of women'. The aims of the study are to further the understanding of cultural construction of 'choice' and 'control' over childbearing and to make some policy recommendations for the NHS maternity practices to improve women's experiences of childbearing, especially for Chinese women. This study focuses on the analysis of the meanings that women gave to their childbearing experiences. Having children was meaningful to Scottish and Chinese women in Scotland in different ways which are related to their social positions, beliefs and practices involved and the change in social status on the birth of a child. Different meanings demand different coping strategies in healthy childbearing between Scottish and Chinese women. It supports much earlier evidence in literature that childbearing is socially shaped and culturally specific. It develops further an understanding of the relationship between 'choice' and 'control'. Scottish women in the study were in a changing 'theme' of struggle between autonomy and control - between the mind and the body. Chinese women tried to 'fit in' with what was 'normal' in the host culture but at the same time retained elements of their original cultural practices which are still meaningful to them in the new social environment. The issues of 'choice' and 'control' in childbearing to Chinese women are regulated by the safety of the mother, the concern for the new-born and postnatal practices of zuo yuezi (sitting in the month). Although the issue of 'safety' in Britain may also occasionally outweigh the conflict with 'control' and 'choice', Scottish women take greater interest in their sense of control over their childbirth. 'Choice' and 'control' are therefore useful tools for them and for the other parties involved.