Children have the right to be safe in our world and we all have a responsibility to ensure this happens. Midwives play a key role in enhancing relationships between a child and its parents for future well being. The book explores how the pressures inherent in the transition to parenting, and individual and social circumstances may make it difficult for mothers to respond sensitively to their babies' needs. Midwives are encouraged to use their skills of observation and analysis to recognise and provide appropriate emotional, educational and practical support to assist vulnerable women to bond with their baby and the baby in turn forming a secure attachment with it's mother. Midwives are also in a unique position to recognise potential or actual child abuse and are required to take such action as is necessary to safeguard the child from harm. This book provides midwives with confidence to undertake this role effectively. · Accessible easy to read style for busy working midwives · A sensitive approach to the subject of child protection · Step by step guidance through child protection procedures · Non judgemental approach considering both the needs of the child and the plight of the parent · Case histories link theory to practice