Learning to be a midwife: the need to believe

Journal: Evidence Based Midwifery

Volume: 5

Issue: 1

Pages: 23-28

ISSN: 1479-4489

Abstract:

Background. The historical development of midwifery demonstrates a changing pattern of autonomy and control over practice, and midwives working in the NHS have reported frustrations about being constrained in their practice that could have implications for midwifery education. Aim. To explore themes and concepts involved in the journey to becoming a midwife with a sample of midwives who work outside the NHS. Method. A grounded theory approach was used to analyse data from individual and group interviews with nine midwives. Results. The key theme identified in this research was that of 'believing', which helped midwives to transcend environmental and organisational constraints to be able to practise 'woman-centredness'. Conclusions. The midwives interviewed appeared to have increased confidence in supporting women to achieve their goals around childbirth.

Source: Scopus