Article ID: JJAM-2020-0028
Purpose
To describe midwives' perceptions of the continued existence of postpartum care services in midwifery homes, and to discuss the importance of midwifery homes in the community.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study of 8 midwives who provided postpartum care services in midwifery homes in A prefecture. A semi-structured interview was administered where they described their perceptions of practicing at midwifery home. Data were descriptively analyzed.
Results
Regarding midwives' perceptions, the 1 core category [Practicing to support healthy life for mother-child dyads and their family] consisted of the 5 categories <To support postpartum mothers is an unchanging concern for midwives><Continued individual holistic supports><Supporting healthy feeding methods for both mothers and children based on mothers' feelings>< Leading breastfeeding to pleasant of child-rearing > and <Supporting bonding and/or family relationship>. Midwives realized the existence of midwifery homes in the community as [Places of seamless child-rearing support in the community] and consisted 6 categories <Mothers who gave a birth at midwifery home are healthy and independent><Places anyone can comfortably access at any time><Bases of child-rearing in the community>< Individual supports to mothers according to their background><Utilizing interdisciplinary approach in the community> and <Performing professional roles>.
Conclusion
Midwives recognized that postpartum care services were essential practices in their profession that was different from ongoing project of postpartum care services. Moreover, the midwives continuously supported healthy lives for mother-child dyads and their families based on capturing mothers who are a series from pregnancy. Furthermore, the midwives considered the midwifery homes as places where they could perform professional roles in the community.
