Problematising public and private work spaces: Midwives' work in hospitals and in homes

Bourgeault, Ivy Lynn; Sutherns, Rebecca; MacDonald, Margaret; Luce, Jacquelyne

doi:10.1016/j.midw.2012.06.002

“…This is not the first study to identify this as an important aspect of midwifery work. Studies with midwives from New Zealand, 26 Norway, 27 Canada, 28 the US 29 and Australia 11,30 What we are only just beginning to acknowledge is the effect this sort of ambience may have on midwives themselves. Midwives in Everly 29 and Hammond, Foureur, Homer 11 studies also describe the impact of this ambience on the midwife.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Birthplace as the midwife's work place: How does place of birth impact on midwives?

Davis

¹

,

Homer

²

2016

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“…A growing body of evidence suggests that the environment a midwife is practicing in has the potential to impact her caregiving behavior. [43][44][45] For example, in New Zealand, Miller and Skinner 46 compared birth outcomes for women who gave birth at home and in the hospital setting within the care of the same midwives. Their research found that despite receiving care by the same midwives working across both settings, women who gave birth at home were more likely to give birth without intervention and more likely to receive evidence-based care.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From hospital to home: Australian midwives’ experiences of transitioning into publicly-funded homebirth programs

Coddington

¹

,

Catling

²

,

Homer

³

2017

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“…A growing body of evidence suggests that the environment a midwife is practicing in has the potential to impact her caregiving behavior. [43][44][45] For example, in New Zealand, Miller and Skinner 46 compared birth outcomes for women who gave birth at home and in the hospital setting within the care of the same midwives. Their research found that despite receiving care by the same midwives working across both settings, women who gave birth at home were more likely to give birth without intervention and more likely to receive evidence-based care.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From ‘homebirth sceptics’ to ‘homebirth champions’: The influence of Australian publicly-funded homebirth programs on care provider's attitudes

Coddington

¹

,

Homer

²

,

Catling

³

2017

Women and Birth

1

0

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Background: Over the past two decades, 14 publicly-funded homebirth models have been established in Australian hospitals. Midwives working in these hospitals now have the opportunity to provide homebirth care, despite many having never been exposed to homebirth before. The transition to providing homebirth care can be daunting for midwives who are accustomed to practising in the hospital environment. Aim: To explore midwives' experiences of transitioning from providing hospital to homebirth care in Australian public health systems. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory study was undertaken. Data were collected through indepth interviews with 13 midwives and midwifery managers who had recent experience transitioning into and working in publicly-funded homebirth programs. Thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts. Findings: Six themes were identified. These were: skilling up for homebirth; feeling apprehensive; seeing birth in a new light; managing a shift in practice; homebirth-the same but different; and the importance of mentoring and support. Discussion: Midwives providing homebirth work differently to those working in hospital settings. More experienced homebirth midwives may provide high quality care in a relaxed environment (compared to a hospital setting). Midwives acceptance of homebirth is influenced by their previous exposure to homebirth. Conclusion: The transition from hospital to homebirth care required midwives to work to the full scope of their practice. When well supported by colleagues and managers, midwives transitioning into publicly-funded homebirth programs can have a positive experience that allows for a greater understanding of and appreciation for normal birth.

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Problematising public and private work spaces: Midwives' work in hospitals and in homes

Cited by 21 publications

References 50 publications

Birthplace as the midwife's work place: How does place of birth impact on midwives?

Birthplace as the midwife's work place: How does place of birth impact on midwives?

From hospital to home: Australian midwives’ experiences of transitioning into publicly-funded homebirth programs

From ‘homebirth sceptics’ to ‘homebirth champions’: The influence of Australian publicly-funded homebirth programs on care provider's attitudes

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