Table 2 Role and responsibilities of Auxiliary Midwife

 • Expected to identify pregnant mothers as early as possible and give antenatal care within their agreed authority, ideally aiming for at least four antenatal consultations. (AMW need to refer all registered pregnant women routinely as well as when showing danger signs and necessary must refer a pregnant mother (between 20 weeks and 35 weeks gestation) to the rural health centre for necessary investigation and if needed must accompanied the pregnant mother for emergency referral to the hospital)

 • AMW should provide health education to pregnant and lactating women to promote healthy eating and prevention of locally endemic diseases to the community in the village.

 • To encourage all pregnant mother to prepare thoroughly for delivery with a comprehensive birth plan

 • AMW conducts home deliveries, postnatal care and new born care. Must be able to refer high risk cases of mothers and the newborns defined in the AMW manual to the hospital in timely manner

 • AMW should provide support to infants through education to mothers on breast feeding practices such as exclusive breast feeding (for 6 months) and start of supplementary feeding at the age of 6 months.

 • Monitor the growth and nutritional status of infants and under five children on a regular basis

 • Must provide first aid care in the capacity of her skill and must be able to refer needed cases to the hospital

 • Must report unusual diseases to the authority and must record the cases

 • Must help and provide assistance to Basic Health Staff in carrying out reproductive health activities.