Logo image
Back
Rethinking ‘rites of protection’ during birth: A foundation for the future of midwifery practice
Conference presentation   Peer reviewed

Rethinking ‘rites of protection’ during birth: A foundation for the future of midwifery practice

Rachel Reed, Margaret Barnes and Janet Allan
Women and Birth, Vol.24(Supplement 1), pp.S23-S24
National Conference of the Australian College of Midwives: A Midwifery Odyssey, 17th (Sydney, Australia, 18-Oct-2011–21-Oct-2011)
Elsevier BV
2011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2011.07.083
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2011.07.083View
Published Version

Abstract

Medical and Health Sciences
This presentation will discuss the findings of research undertaken during a PhD candidature. The aim of the research was to explore women's experience of birth, and midwifery practice during birth. A narrative approach was taken and birth stories were gathered from mothers and midwives during in-depth interviews. The participants had either experienced or attended a spontaneous vaginal birth, and were encouraged to share their story of this experience. Ten mothers and ten midwives were interviewed and their experiences included a range of birth settings - public hospital, private hospital and home. Narratives were created from the interview transcripts and analysed to identify themes. The key findings centre on the experience of birth as a liminal journey during which mothers have specific needs. Rites of passage and rites of protection are enacted by midwives during this journey. Rites of passage involve practices that build self trust and prepare the woman for her role as mother. Rites of protection involve practices aimed at assessing the birth journey and the well being of mother and baby. In Australian culture this usually includes technical and medical methods of assessment (e.g., vaginal examination). These rites of protection can conflict with the mother's needs, and the rites of passage the midwife enacts during birth. This presentation will provide an overview of these findings. However, the focus of this presentation will be on how midwives already use alternatives methods of assessing progress and wellbeing during birth that are congruent with women's needs, and the rites of passage. The future of midwifery lies in midwives embracing their knowledge and accepting the value of their 'hidden' methods of assessment. Future practice needs to be based on the needs of women and the unique body of knowledge midwives have developed by being with women.

Details

Metrics

5 File views/ downloads
676 Record Views
Logo image