Awareness and Practice of Women-Centered Care During Delivery by Independent Midwives

Abstract

Purpose: Examine the awareness and practice of women-centered care during delivery by independent midwives.

Methods: Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 midwives, who had been working for at least three years at a midwifery facility. We conducted a qualitative and descriptive analysis

Results: The following core categories were generated: [understanding the delivery period from the woman’s life perspective], [inclusive care for the woman, child and family], and [autonomous protection of the woman and child’s well-being]. The midwives established [unwavering faith in the woman and family] as the basis for maternal and child happiness, and practiced the [encouragement of active childbirth] through [embracing womanhood and continuous support] while cultivating [comprehensive relationships for the woman].

Conclusion: Independent midwives were aware that a positive delivery experience would have a favorable impact on the woman and her family within the context of women-centered care during delivery. Thus, they were inclined toward autonomous midwifery practice to achieve this objective.