A disciplinary hearing has begun in Christchurch for a midwife charged with failing to act in the best interests of five of her patients between 2005 and 2008.
One of the midwife's clients was a 16-year-old whose baby was adopted out.
The midwife is charged with advising her not to disclose the adoption plan to hospital staff and making derogatory statements about the Child, Youth and Family adoption service.
Other charges relating to the other clients include failing to provide appropriate care and support during labour, failing to complete clinical notes and breaching patient confidentiality.
The hearing resumes on Tuesday and is expected to take two weeks.
