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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Exploring Australian midwives' experiences providing sexual health information to women in the postnatal period
Midwifery, Vol.143, pp.1-7
2025
PMID: 39899905
Abstract
Problem
Little is known about the influences on postnatal sexual health conversations from the midwife's perspective.
Background
Women frequently experience sexual health challenges in the postnatal period. Women have stated that midwives do not enquire about postnatal sexual health challenges, and when concerns are raised, unhelpful advice is received. The lack of recognition from midwives leaves women feeling isolated, ashamed, and as though their experiences are abnormal.
Question
What are Australian midwives’ experiences providing sexual health information to women in the postnatal period?
Methods
A qualitative descriptive study utilising purposive sampling and individualised semi-structured interviews to collect data from registered midwives (n=7) working across various contexts in Australia. Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke's method.
Findings
Four major themes were identified from the data: 1) The medicalisation of birth, 2) Postnatal sexual health: It's complicated, 3) In our interest but whose responsibility? And 4) Enhancing the provision of postnatal sexual health information.
Discussion
Although the midwife participants acknowledged the importance of discussing postnatal sexual health, the findings of this study highlight the various barriers Australian midwives face when providing sexual health information to postnatal women.
Conclusion
There are various influences on a midwife's ability to provide sexual health information to women in the postnatal period. The barriers of the medical system, inadequate training and professional development and an undefined role in sexual health create challenges for Australian midwives to effectively provide sexual health information.
Details
- Title
- Exploring Australian midwives' experiences providing sexual health information to women in the postnatal period
- Authors
- Chloe Harris (Corresponding Author) - Griffith UniversityCarolyn Hastie (Author) - Griffith UniversityRoslyn Donnellan-Fernandez (Author) - Griffith UniversityLaura Gabriel (Author) - Griffith University
- Publication details
- Midwifery, Vol.143, pp.1-7
- Publisher
- Churchill Livingston
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.midw.2025.104315
- ISSN
- 1532-3099; 0266-6138
- PMID
- 39899905
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Midwifery
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991102846302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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