There is meant to be collaboration between doctors and nurses in maternity care but this is being hindered by unequal and disrespectful cultures and practices, writes Karen Lane.

English is a funny language. Apparently it challenges newcomers because of the pluralist meanings of words and the numerous exceptions to the rule. Such is the nature of the word collaboration especially when applied to maternity care. Many studies in NZ, the US, the UK, Canada and Australia have established that it does indeed exist, that many regimes have instituted guidelines for practitioners, that it characterises a new mood in midwifery/woman/obstetric relations and that it involves a three-way dynamic. This is itself notable because it replaces the traditional, military-style pecking...