An Australian history of the subordination of midwifery

Giving Birth

“…Results confirm the findings of other Australian studies 7,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]38 and studies of culturally diverse childbearing women, [1][2][3][4][5][6] suggesting that provision of educational resources and individualized nursing care create a climate of confidence in childbearing women. Australian women expect and appreciate shared power with their caregivers and desire an enhancement of self when they give birth.…”

“…Results confirm the findings of other Australian studies. 7,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]38 Many of these themes are also reflected in studies of culturally diverse women giving birth in their own sociocultural context and varied healthcare delivery systems. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Study participants focused on the moment of birth as a pivotal life event, a time of transition to motherhood and an appreciation of the opportunity to participate in the creation of life.…”

“…It was found that Australian midwives are seeking to promote normal birth and expand the utilization of the midwifery model of care with shared decision making. [20][21][22][23][24] A grounded theory has been generated documenting how 19 first-time Australian mothers prepared for their first births, with categories including finding a childbirth setting and setting up birth expectations. 25 Another grounded theory was generated in a study of 13 expectant nulliparas, who identified diverse experiences with pregnancy, describing challenges coping with physical and emotional symptoms.…”

Psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, and exercise in Australian and New Zealand mothers: A cross‐sectional survey

“…Although New Zealand and Australia have distinct maternity systems, the underpinning principles of both systems are similar. Possibly reflecting “the subordination of midwifery to medicine” (Fahy, : 25), postnatal care in Australia and New Zealand is particularly focused upon the first few days postpartum frequently spent in hospital. Postnatal care for both the mother and baby once returned home, unlike countries such as the UK, which has regular scheduled visits, here the first appointment is not until six weeks postpartum.…”

A feminist history of Australian midwifery from colonisation until the 1980s

“…2, 24 Fahy's recent publication 3 complements what I add to a far too thin description of our rich traditions and history.…”