Descriptive Study of Midwifery Care Provided for Women Diagnosed with Cancer during Pregnancy and Their Families

Abstract

Purpose: This study is aimed at describing midwifery care provided for women with cancer diagnosed in pregnancy and their families.

Methods: Unstructured interviews were conducted with seven midwives who had experience of assisting women diagnosed with cancer. The data was analyzed using the narrative approach.

Results: Concerning 15 episodes, we found subthemes, based on which one theme per one episode was identified. Having analyzed the episodes, subthemes, and the themes in a cross sectional manner, we clarified that there are four themes that represent midwifery care: Supporting women so they can make the best decision based on a wide range of information that provides a balanced perspective, when debating with themselves whether or not to continue a pregnancy, to undergo cancer treatment, or to breastfeed; perceiving the women as mothers who would or would not undergo cancer treatment during their pregnancy; understanding their thoughts during the continuous span of cancer treatment, pregnancy, delivery to as far as the period of childcare and dealing with the women and their families considering the impact on the whole family; and taking care of the women and their families, while working with multiple departments and professions and going in the same direction.

Conclusion: Midwives’ practice was characterized by viewing women as mothers, based on the midwifery care values of maternal and newborn care. Their perspective and practice of having regard for women as mothers is important to further support the women and families through enhanced collaboration and cooperation among multiple departments and professions.