Maternity care for the visually impaired.

Midwives should not express doubts about a blind woman's ability to cope but try to boost the woman's confidence and encourage her to build on her skills. The mother needs to understand that as her abdomen enlarges and her centre of gravity shifts, she may find it more difficult to assess her own body space and her relationship to other objects. Blind women appreciate continuity of care from a small number of known professionals and may prefer a home birth or domino scheme. For those who go to hospital, help with negotiating busy waiting areas, pulling up chairs and getting into bed is likely to be welcomed. The support of another blind mother is invaluable as experiences can be shared.