Experiences Of Midwives Research Articles

Opinions of Nurses and Midwives Working in the Obstetrics Clinic Regarding The Difficulties Experienced While Giving Care to The Patients in the Postpartum Period: Qualitative Study

Amaç: Bu çalışmada amaç, kadın doğum kliniğinde çalışan hemşire ve ebelerin doğum sonu dönemde hastalara bakım verirken yaşadığı zorluklara ilişkin görüşlerini incelemektir. Yöntem: Nitel araştırma yöntemi ile yürütülen çalışmada fenomenolojik desen kullanılmıştır. Çalışma grubu, Türkiye’de bir kamu hastanesinde kadın doğum kliniğinde çalışan hemşire (n=7) ve ebelerden (n=2) oluşmuştur. Veriler; Şubat-Mart 2020 tarihleri arasında bireysel ve odak grup görüşmesi ile toplanmış ve içerik analizi yöntemi ile çözümlenmiştir. Bulgular: Katılımcıların sosyodemografik özellikleri değerlendirildiğinde; yaş ortalamasının 39.21±9.58, çalışma yılının 16.12±8.61, kadın doğum kliniğinde çalışma süresinin 13.17±4.61 yıl olduğu saptanmıştır. Hemşire ve ebelerin %88.8’inin evli, tamamının doğum yaptığı ve üniversite düzeyinde eğitim aldığı saptanmıştır. Analiz sonucunda elde edilen temalar; “kadın doğum kliniğinde çalışan hemşire ve ebe olmayı tanımlama”, “kadınlara bakım verirken yaşanılan zorluk”, “katılımcıların yaşanılan zorluklar ile baş etme yöntemleri” ve “çözüm önerileri” dir. Sonuç: Hemşirelerin doğum sonu dönemde bakım verirken emzirmede zorlanma, iletişim sorunu, kültürel farklılıklar gibi zorluklarının olduğu ve bu zorlukların ortadan kaldırılmasına ilişkin bazı önerileri sunduğu belirlenmiştir.

Exploring and developing student midwives’ experiences (ESME)—An appreciative inquiry study

BackgroundThere is increased focus on investing in midwifery students as our future workforce. Inquiring into what helps to support an enriched learning experience for student midwives in clinical placements is timely. AimTo work collaboratively with key stakeholders (student midwives, midwives) in clinical placements to generate an experience-based understanding of what works well in relation to the student midwife experience and from this understanding, co-create ways to enhance students’ experiences. DesignAn appreciative inquiry approach was used to discover what matters and what works well at present in the student midwife experience from the perspective of student midwives, midwives, and midwifery managers and to use this knowledge to create enhanced experiences in the future. Data were generated across four local health districts in New South Wales, Australia. Data were analysed using immersion crystallisation and then mapped to the ‘Senses Framework’. SettingFour midwifery units in tertiary teaching public hospitals in NSW. ParticipantsThere were 124 participants in this study: 45 midwifery students and 76 employed midwives. Measurements and findingsThe data culminated in the refinement of the ‘Senses Framework’ for use in the midwifery learning context. Student midwives and midwives valued experiences that helped them to feel safe, to feel that they belong, to experience continuity in their learning and work, to have a sense of purpose, to have their achievements and their contributions to be recognised and to feel that they matter. Furthermore, the midwives themselves valued the experience of these senses in supporting them to be facilitators of learning in the workplace. The relational framework for learning together in the workplace has the potential to support achievement of the sense of security, belonging, continuity, purpose, achievement and significance for all involved. Key conclusionsThere is much to celebrate in what is being achieved currently in promoting excellence in learning experiences in the midwifery context. In particular this study has made conscious the contribution that student midwives and midwives can and do make to enable the positive and reciprocal relationships that develop in the student midwife experience that support the nurturing of enriched learning environments. This study emphasised that learning in the workplace is a relational endeavour, rooted in the day to day engagement between student midwives, midwives and others. By mapping these positive processes to the senses framework these processes are made more explicit and provide guidance for enhancing the learning experience in the midwifery context. Implications for practiceThe framework and related inquiry tools developed from the study may be useful in other settings to further test out the impact of this relational approach to learning for student midwives.

Midwives experiences of meeting pregnant women who are exposed to Intimate-Partner Violence at in-hospital prenatal ward: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTIONWorldwide every third women is exposed to physical and/or sexual violence and pregnancy is no safe period for the women. The aim was to elucidate midwives experience of violence-exposed pregnant women who had been referred to a prenatal ward and were hospitalized.METHODSAn inductive qualitative method was used with four focus-group interviews performed with sixteen midwives working at in-hospital prenatal ward. The data were analyzed with content analysis.RESULTSThree categories emerged. ‘Professional area of responsibility’, the midwives working at in-hospital prenatal ward considered it was the responsibility of the midwives working at antenatal care to ask routinely in order to detect violence-exposed women. Signs of help-seeking were based on the pregnant woman’s behavior. Suspicion of intimate-partner violence was based on gut feeling. ‘Conditions for support’, the midwives strived to support pregnant women who were already identified as violence-exposed or if they had a suspicion that the pregnant woman was in a relationship where intimatepartner violence occurred. ‘Barriers for giving support’, both the work-place layout and routines constituted a barrier. The midwives own emotional state could affect her handling of the situation.CONCLUSIONSThe midwives working in-hospital considered it the responsibility of the midwives at antenatal healthcare to identify these women. The midwives had limited experience in dealing with violence-exposed pregnant women but recognized a number of signs and symptoms that could cause suspicion. They felt uncomfortable in the situation and expressed a need for both education and an action plan.

Illuminating bodily presence in midwifery practice

The article highlights the introduction of new coloured illumination technology in healthcare environments. Through sensory ethnographic fieldwork, the article showcases the cohesion and clashes between human bodies, hospital spaces and new sensory technologies, exemplified by a case of delivery rooms in Denmark. By addressing how midwives experience and practice lighting during the process of labour, we show how lighting technologies act as atmospheric elements and affect notions of intimacy and ‘being present’ in midwifery practice. The analysis points out a nuanced midwifery sensory awareness of how light not only shapes atmospheres in the delivery room, but also how these atmospheres attune the practices and gestures of human bodies. Through Hermann Schmitz's notion of ‘bodily gripping powers’, we thereby argue for a general attentiveness in healthcare design to how technologies and design affect bodily practices and employees' understanding of their profession. While health science has long showed the effects of lighting on the human body, now increasingly employed in healthcare design practices, the article argues for a broader attention to the interstices of technology and practices of professionals and patients in organizing how spaces are felt and bodies attuned.

Midwives' Experience of Providing Continuity of Care in a Pilot Project: Findings of a Prospective Qualitative Research Study

INTRODUCTIONThere has been a strategic drive for several years in midwifery to improve models of care and enable women to receive care from a known midwife. However over the past decade new models of care to achieve this have not been sustained and some midwives have expressed opinions that such models can never be sustainable for the staff working them. This study was designed to explore the midwives experience of working a continuity of care model, develop understanding of the lived experience of midwives, and provide insight into how such models can be sustainable from the midwives perspective. A local trust initiative to pilot a small team continuity of care model in one geographical area was introduced and a group of midwives interested in working differently were recruited onto the study to share their experiences. This article details the process and themes identified through a small qualitative research study to explore midwives' experiences of working in a new way to provide increased continuity of care for women. The study results are written in response to a local drive for change and within the context of a small group of midwives taking part in a service improvement project. The article specifically identifies themes in the midwives' experiences and lessons learnt for sustainable change in relation to continuity of care within midwifery services.METHODThe study was a qualitative descriptive study. The main purpose of the study was to gain further understanding of the personal experiences of midwives. Data was collected over a 12-month period from eight midwives who took part; reflective diaries, notes from team meetings and data from the team's “WhatsApp” group chat were used to capture the data over time. Themes identified were then verified with the participants through one to one semi structured interviews.FINDINGSThe research data has been organized into four overarching themes related to May's (2009) normalization process theory: Coherence—same difference, cognitive participation—operational workability, collective action—relationships and reflexive monitoring—personal sustainability.DISCUSSIONA key theme running throughout the data was the importance of autonomy, flexibility, and trust, enabling midwives and women to build effective therapeutic relationships. This is important to note when developing systems for care. Staff needed to feel trusted in order to work flexibly and take control over their own work/life balance. The findings indicate that where staff felt enabled to organize their own workloads they did in fact work harder to meet the needs of the women. A shift in culture in maternity systems would need to be embraced for this level of control to be afforded all midwives. It should be noted that the study was conducted in one specific area and with a small number of midwives. Hence the findings cannot be generalized and will need to be explored further across different cultures.

Filipino Midwives’ Knowledge, Self-perceived Role and Experiences in Educating Parents of Families with Newborns who are Confirmed Cases of Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Introduction. Midwives play an important role in promoting newborn screening (NBS) and they ensure that all Filipino newborns are offered screening for life-threatening metabolic conditions. Of the disorders included in NBS, Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common disorder detected.Objectives. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, self-perceived role, and experience of midwives who practice in urban and rural settings in educating parents of a newborn who are confirmed cases for G6PD deficiency.Method. One-on-one semi structured interview was conducted among 21 midwives from Manila City and Lipa, Batangas, Philippines.Results. The study findings indicate that midwives frequently serve as the primary information resource for parents of infants with G6PD deficiency. Assessment of knowledge showed that midwives have sufficient knowledge about the medical management and the necessary follow-up of infants with G6PD deficiency. However, it also revealed that they have inadequate knowledge of the underlying genetic cause of G6PD deficiency. The surveyed midwives recognized their role and the importance of proper education regarding G6PD deficiency.Conclusion. The findings of this study identified gaps in the midwives’ knowledge on the genetic mechanisms and inheritance of G6PD deficiency, which could be a basis to improve the education and dissemination of information and to eventually improve parental education and care of newborns with G6PD deficiency

Epidurals during normal labour and birth — Midwives’ attitudes and experiences

BackgroundMidwives have their own beliefs and values regarding pain during childbirth. Their preferences concerning labour pain management may influence women’s choices. AimTo gain a deeper understanding of midwives’ attitudes and experiences regarding the use of an epidural during normal labour. MethodsA qualitative approach was chosen for data collection. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with midwives working in three different obstetric units in Norway. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Malterud’s systematic text condensation. FindingsThe analysis provided two main themes: “Normal childbirth as the goal” and “Challenges to the practice, knowledge, philosophy and experience of midwives”. Distinctive differences in experiences and attitudes were found. The workplace culture in the obstetric units affected the midwives’ attitudes and their midwifery practice. How they attended to women with epidural also differed. An epidural was often used as a substitute for continuous support when the obstetric unit was busy. DiscussionMidwives estimate labour pain differently, and this might impact the midwifery care. However, midwives’ interests and preferences concerning labour pain management should not influence women’s choices. Midwives are affected by the setting where they work, and research highlights that an epidural might lead to a focus on medical procedures instead of the normality of labour. ConclusionMidwives should be aware of how powerful their position is and how the workplace culture might influence their attitudes. The focus should be on “working with” women to promote a normal birth process, even with an epidural.

Reported Levels of Exhaustion by the Graduate Nurse Midwife and Their Perceived Potential for Unsafe Practice: A Phenomenological Study of Australian Double Degree Nurse Midwives.

The experiences of graduate nurses and midwives transitioning into the clinical environment as beginning practitioners has been reported as a time period of great challenge. For the graduate double degree nurse midwife, often transitioning into two disciplines of practice concurrently, their experiences have the potential to be heightened. The aim of this research was to explore the transition to practice experiences of double degree graduate nurse midwives practicing in either or both nursing and midwifery in the Australian health care system. This research used a Husserlian descriptive phenomenological approach to understand the experiences of 23 double degree graduate nurse midwives working in 20 different health care facilities across Australia. The findings showed that most participants experienced exhaustion from an emotional, physical, and mental perspective during their first year of practice. These experiences were linked with cognitive saturation, professional loneliness, sleep deprivation, and an inability to achieve a work-life balance. The data also highlighted the graduate nurse midwife's concerns for safe practice when feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally depleted. Safe practice is paramount for both patient and health care worker. The levels of exhaustion described by the participants in this study influenced their perceived ability to practice safely. As a result, it should be recognized that the graduate nurse midwife's health and well-being is central to their perceptions of safe practice and is fundamental to a positive transition to practice experience.

Midwives’ views and experiences of providing midwifery care in the task shifting context: a meta-ethnography approach

Abstract Objective This study aimed to explore the existing knowledge about midwives’ views and experiences of providing care for women in the context of task shifting. Methods We conducted a qualitative systematic review using meta-ethnography to describe the views and experiences of midwives on providing care in the context of task shifting. Comparative textual analysis of published qualitative studies involved translation of first-order key concepts and meanings from included studies to generate second-and third-order concepts. A grid was made to identify core findings and compare them reciprocally. Results Thirty-six qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. The literature comprised of 32 first key concepts. Eight second-order constructs emerged, and three third-order interpretations were generated. The three overarching themes were: (1) midwives perceived themselves as providing culturally competent and high quality women-centered care; (2) they valued their profession but saw it as complex and challenging; (3) as health professionals, they reported a variety of organizational, cultural, and professional barriers to providing women-centered care. Conclusions While performing a specific task in the task shifting context, midwives perceived their crucial roles and responsibilities, along with achieved value and reward. However, due to a range of existing barriers, the caring task posed great challenges in completely implementing women-centered care. It is essential for systems to identify and eliminate these barriers early, to consider midwives’ emotional well-being, and to develop overall strategies to better support the midwifery workforce. Policy makers and administrators should establish a supportive environment to facilitate midwives to perform women-centered caring tasks in more effective and efficient ways.

The way we do things around here. A qualitative study of the workplace aggression experiences of Victorian nurses, midwives and care personnel

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2><h3>Background</h3> Workplace aggression in the health and care sectors is a major work health and safety and public health concern, worldwide. In Australia, rates of exposure to workplace aggression are consistent with those experienced by nurses internationally, and have not decreased over the past 35 years. <h3>Objectives</h3> To explore the experiences and perspectives of nurses, midwives and care personnel relating to experiences of verbal or written and physical aggression from external sources (patients, patients' relatives or carers and others external to the workplace) and internal sources (co-workers). <h3>Design</h3> A pragmatic, descriptive, qualitative study, integrating themes emerging from online survey comments and follow-up, in depth interviews. <h3>Settings</h3> Health and aged care services in the Australian State of Victoria. <h3>Participants</h3> Nurses, midwives and care personnel who were members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation – Victorian Branch in May and June 2017. <h3>Method</h3> Thematic analysis was undertaken on the combined comments provided in up to seven free-form text fields of an online survey questionnaire and the content of follow-up interviews of selected survey participants. <h3>Results</h3> From the online survey data, comments from 623 participants were able to be included in analyses. Of the 293 respondents initially indicating a willingness to be contacted by researchers, a sample of 29 participated in in-depth interviews. Eight thematic categories emerged from the data, relating to patient aggression, contextual categories (three sub-categories – care of older people, mental health care and emergency department settings), co-worker aggression (two sub-categories – aggression from managers/supervisors, aggression from colleagues/peers), reporting behaviours, trade union involvement, security personnel and police involvement, legal action and the impacts of workplace aggression. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Over the past 35 years, little progress has been made in mitigating the likelihood and consequences of this serious work health and safety, and public health issue. There appears to be have been a sustained failure to implement co-ordinated, multi-sectorial, system-wide and targeted interventions to reduce what seem to be growing levels of harmful exposure to incivility and aggression in care settings in Victoria. There is an urgent need to strengthen and enforce existing legislation, introduce new laws and develop more effective systems and practices to adequately protect the health and safety of nurses, midwives and other care personnel in their daily work. Stronger evidence for system and service level interventions to prevent and minimise workplace aggression in care settings is also required.

Exploring the internship experiences of Swedish final term student midwives: A cross-sectional survey

Today, student midwives in Sweden spend half of their midwifery education at various internships. Practice reality demonstrates that there is an insufficient number of preceptors for the students, and the workload is demanding. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the experiences of final term Swedish students during their midwifery internship and whether other paedagogical learning experiences beyond the apprenticeship model were included.A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 288 final year midwifery students at all universities offering the midwifery programme in Sweden. This paper focuses on open-ended questions, which were answered by 108 students, and analysed inductively via thematic analysis.Students described an intensive period with pressure during their internship. They expressed a desire for fewer parallel tasks and a better-structured internship. Students revealed that it was both a challenge and stressful to be under constant high performance while practising clinically. Furthermore, students described feelings of competition towards fellow peers in regard to attaining the final number of 50 assisted births. As to the paedagogical methods, the classical preceptorship model with a one-to-one student-preceptor relationship was predominately used. Preceptors were perceived as crucial role models. However, this learning experience was considered suboptimal for learning in the event where preceptors were not engaged or felt insecure regarding their knowledge, or if the preceptor was changed. For the students, the most optimal setting would be if preceptors were selected, trained, and supported in their role to supervise students, instead of being assigned any available preceptor, who was, at times, not a midwife.

The experiences of nurses and midwives regarding nursing education in Ghana: A qualitative content analysis

BackgroundThe nursing education in Ghana has only witnessed minimal advancement though one of the earliest in Africa. This study aimed to explore nursing education in Ghana at the bachelor degree level in terms of the program's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats from the perspectives of nurses and midwives. MethodsA qualitative design based on the content analysis approach was used in this study. We purposefully sampled and interviewed thirty-five nurses and midwives at the Tamale Teaching in Ghana from September 2018 to May 2019. ResultsThe data analysis revealed five main categories; professionally developed, diverse implementation, insufficient resources, applied opportunities, and threatening policies. The findings highlight the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of nursing education at the bachelor degree level in Ghana. ConclusionThe nursing education in Ghana has some internal capabilities in the form of strengths and weaknesses, such as the program being professionally regulated and operates on a well-developed curriculum, yet challenged with insufficient faculty and resources. The external opportunities and threats present as global recognition and career opportunities, amidst the proliferation of adjunct nursing programs. Recommendations have been highlighted.

Against the grain: midwives' experiences of facilitating home birth outside of guidelines

Background Midwifery standards promote autonomous decision-making and informed choice, resulting in maternal home birth choices which may contravene guidelines. There is a paucity of evidence exploring midwives' experiences of managing these choices. Aims To explore the lived experiences of midwives facilitating home birth outside of guidelines. Methods A qualitative design using an interpretive hermeneutic cycle to analyse semi-structured interviews. Findings Participants reported confidence in supporting maternal choices, identifying barriers including other birth supporters. Perceived levels of risk, previous experience and safety concerns impacted on confidence. Peer, unit and professional midwifery advocate (PMA) support were identified as being beneficial to midwives. Recommendations Expansion of birth choices clinics; implementation of dedicated home birth teams; guideline review for midwife led birthing units; expansion of the PMA role; implementation of a structured debriefing service and further research looking at women's choices, and the impact of the loss of midwifery supervision.

Can Women's Lives be saved from Hypertensive Disorders during Pregnancy? Experiences of South African Midwives.

A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological research design was conducted to explore and describe the experiences of midwives on the management of women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy in rural areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Non-probability sampling was used to select eighteen (18) midwives from primary health care facilities of Mopani and Vhembe districts in Limpopo Province. Data was collected through in-depth interview and analysed using eight steps of Tesch's open coding method. Ethical considerations were adhered to by ensuring confidentiality, anonymity, privacy and signing of informed consent by participants. Measures to ensure trustworthiness; credibility, transferability, dependability and lastly, confirmability were ensured. Findings of this study revealed three themes (with sub-themes) namely; management of pregnant women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders, support experienced when managing complications, challenges experienced by midwives when managing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. In conclusion, poor support came up very strongly as a factor influencing good management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Recruitment of more midwives that will support each other during management of pregnant women with hypertensive disorders is recommended.

PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN KURSI PERSALINAN BC-MK15 TERHADAP KETIDAKNYAMANAN BIDAN DALAM PERTOLONGAN PERSALINAN

Midwife has risks in their work, such as at first stage delivery care, they have risk of unnatural work posture, while in the second and third stage midwife experiences a body irregularity which can be seen in the spinal segment and postural instability. Unusual work postures continuously can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The etiology of musculoskeletal disorders is very complicated and controversial, so the lack of information can lead to more difficult risk management, but by detecting discomfort is very useful as an indicator of the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, thus minimizing the discomfort may contribute to reducing risk of musculoskeletal disorders, since both are known associated with exposure to the musculoskeletal system by biomechanical loads. The importance of the ergonomics aspect for the midwife to reduce the discomfort of the body in doing it’s work, is strongly supported by the appropriate facilities such as the BC-MK15 birth chair. &#x0D; This research is quasi experimental with simple random sampling, subject is divided into two groups, intervention and control (22 midwives each group) who work at Puskesmas Garuda, Puter and Ibrahim Adji Bandung. Discomfort scoring using Body Part Discomfort Scale (BPDS). Statistical test using Kolmogorov -Smirnov analysis to see the difference of discomfort between treatment and control group for each stage of delivery care, and Chi-Square test to see the effect between the two study groups also Mann-Whitney test to see the discomfort diffrences between each group for the whole stage of delivery care (stage I-III). The significance level been decided for p &lt;0.05 . The results showed that there was an effect of the use of the BC-MK15 birth chair to the midwife discomfort level for each body part in every stage during delivery care, and there was a lower median rate of discomfort in the intervention group compare to the control group The conclusion was the use of BC-MK15 birth chairs can decrease midwife discomfort for every stage during delivery care in the intervention group compare to the control group.

Experiences and Partnership Expectation Women and Midwife in Midwifery Care: A Review of Qualitative Study Systhematic

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The partnership of Midwives and women is the philosophy of Midwifery care in the period of decline, which occurred the violence and not mutually appreciated especially during childbirth in developing countries. The aim to explore the experiences of women and Midwives, strategy and expectation of women and Midwives in Midwifery services. This study using electronic methods Searches of PubMed bibliographic database, ScienceDirect, Proquest is done systematically from 2008 to 2018. Quality Articles are chosen based on the criteria of inclusion and extracting results from article 858 into 10 Articles, and then classify the comparison results to developing countries and developed countries. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;Based on the results of the review found the experience of women and Midwives for care in developing countries less well Because there is no Accompanying childbirth, there is physical or verbal violence, and hospital facilities that do not support. While the experience of women in developed countries and Midwives Midwives, either Because the present critical period in time, there is a sense of care from Midwives who Become partners for women. Partnership Midwives and women since pregnancy Contribute to vaginal birth. Midwives and women have hope that Midwifery services can be given a maximum, qualified and manifested a sense of mutual understanding and respect for each other. The condition of Midwifery care in developing countries need particular attention. The importance of the presence of a midwife, care of ongoing and Partnered with women can suppress violence in orphanages. The Government needs to provide training to Midwives on counselling skills, build interpersonal relations, and effective leadership in Midwifery services.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Izkušnje partnerjev s prisotnostjo pri porodu

Uvod: Očetje se pogosto vključujejo v porodni proces v vlogi spremljevalcev svojih partnerk ob porodu. Veliko očetov si želi biti prisotnih pri porodu svojega otroka, vendar si pogosto ne predstavljajo svoje vloge v porodni sobi. Namen raziskave je bil raziskati izkušnje partnerjev s prisotnostjo pri porodu.Metode: Raziskava temelji na kvalitativni metodologiji. Vzorec zajema pet očetov, starih med 25 in 35 let, ki so imeli za seboj vsaj dve porodni izkušnji. Podatki so bili pridobljeni s pomočjo delno strukturiranih intervjujev in analizirani s pomočjo metode analize vsebine.Rezultati: Za očete je bila prisotnost pri rojstvu njihovega otroka ena izmed najlepših izkušenj v njihovem življenju. Kljub temu da so jo opredelili kot stresno, je bila hkrati zanje pozitivna in polna intenzivnih občutij. Občutili so vznemirjenje, pričakovanje, strah, zaskrbljenost, srečo, veselje, olajšanje ter ponos. Nekateri očetje so bili s strani babice in ostalega zdravstvenega osebja v porodno dogajanje vključeni bolj aktivno, drugi manj.Diskusija in zaključek: Očetje si želijo biti s strani babice in ostalega zdravstvenega osebja obravnavani spoštljivo in kot enakovreden del para, ki se mu rojeva otrok. Priložnosti nadaljnjega raziskovanja se kažejo v proučevanju povezave med prisotnostjo pri porodu ter družinsko in partnersko dinamiko, pa tudi v izkušnjah babic s prisotnostjo očetov v porodnih sobah.

‘They follow the wants and needs of an institution’: Midwives’ views of water immersion

BackgroundA midwife’s ability to fully support women’s autonomy and self-determination with respect to midwifery care is often challenging. This is particularly true of water immersion for labour and birth. However, the woman’s agency over what happens to her body and that of her unborn baby should be key considerations for maternity care provision. ObjectivesA three phased mixed-methods study was undertaken to examine how water immersion policies and guidelines are informed. Phase three of this study captured the knowledge and experiences of Australian midwives, their support for water immersion and their experiences of using policies and guidelines to inform and facilitate the practice. MethodsCritical, post structural, interpretive interactionism was used to examine more than 300 responses to three open-ended questions included in a survey of 233 midwives. Comment data were analysed to provide further insight, context and meaning to previously reported results. FindingsFindings demonstrated a complex, multidimensional interplay of factors that impacted on both the midwife’s ability to offer and the woman’s decision to use water immersion under the themes ‘the reality of the system’, ‘the authoritative ‘others’’ and ‘the pseudo decision-makers’. Multiple scaffolded levels were identified, each influenced by the wider macro-socio-political landscape of Australian midwifery care. ConclusionsThe insight gained from examining midwives’ views and opinions of water for labour and birth, has aided in contextualising previously reported results. Such insight highlights the importance of qualitative research in challenging the status quo and working towards woman-centred practice and policy.

Exploring the experiences of student midwives completing the newborn infant physical examination: part 2

Background This is the second part of a series of two papers which explores the use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) within midwifery education in order to examine students' perspectives of the newborn infant physical examination (NIPE). Part one, featured in the British Journal of Midwifery volume 28, no 2, explains the background to the development of the study and explores the use of IPA within an emerging aspect of midwifery education. Part two of the series will present the research findings and implications for practice. Objectives This study aims to explore the experiences of student midwives completing the theory and practice aspects of the NIPE within a pre-registration midwifery programme. Design A qualitative design was utilised to analyse data collected by semi-structured interviews. Setting A large university in the West Midlands geographical area. Participants Five student midwives were purposively selected to participate in the study. Methods This study was conducted using IPA. Findings Three superordinate themes were generated: learning by doing, mentorship and transition to qualification. The findings demonstrate the significance of student midwives being exposed to the practical aspect of the NIPE during their training. Conclusions The study findings indicate that standardisation is required within preparation to undertake the NIPE within clinical practice. Higher educational institutes must also provide greater support with regards to the mentorship of student midwife NIPE practitioners. Further research should examine the maintenance of the NIPE role within newly qualified midwives.

A community of practice in a midwifery led unit. How the culture and environment shape the learning experience of student midwives

ObjectiveTo explore the teaching and learning experience of midwifery mentors and student midwives in a midwifery led unit. The aim of this paper is to discuss how a conceptual framework emerged from the findings of the study. Design and methodEthnography. Non-participant observation of the daily work of an alongside midwifery led unit (AMU) over 14 months, and direct observation of episodes of care involving ten dyads of midwifery mentors and student midwife dyads. These observations were followed by individual semi structured interviews with participants. SettingAn alongside midwifery led unit in a Health Board in Wales, UK. This is an option for place of birth in the National Health Service in the UK. SampleTen dyads of midwifery mentors and student midwives. FindingsA conceptual framework emerged from the data in relation to the powerfully shared goals and ethos of the midwives working in this AMU. The framework gave shape and form to the particular nature of the teaching and learning experience in the midwifery led setting. The concept of a community of practice, firmly rooted in the authoritative knowledge and understanding of physiological birth, resulted in positive working practices and happy, motivated midwives who enhanced the birth experience for women. This supported the clinical and socially situated learning of student midwives and new colleagues through legitimate peripheral participation. Implications for practice, policy, education and researchPositive, committed and autonomous midwives make for a nurturing working environment and may therefore enhance the experience of birthing women. Midwives need to be able to work in an environment and community of practice which mirrors their own philosophy of care to promote professional wellbeing, and to develop the expert knowledge and skill in that area of practice over time.