Thoughts of Independent Midwives who do not Deliver Babies on their Activities

Abstract

Purpose: To clarify the thoughts of independent midwives who do not deliver babies on their activities.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted involving 10 independent midwives who do not deliver babies, and the obtained data were analyzed using a qualitative and inductive approach. This study was conducted with the approval of the ethics committee of Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine.

Results: The midwives who do not deliver babies began to run their own business by considering that “they could provide breastfeeding care”. They realized the importance of “spending more time providing mothers with emotional support” and the fact that they were able to “work in the community as a midwife being supported by mothers”. They were also keenly aware of the “sense of security in working with other professions” because they have experienced anxiety and hesitation of working alone. They, however, wished to “continue their activities at their current pace”.

Discussion: For independent midwives who do not deliver babies, support from local residents and other professions will promote trust and increase their job satisfaction. Continuous breastfeeding support and postpartum care services that require a great deal of time will be needed in the community. We believe that seamless maternal and child health support in the community can contribute to lifelong health support for women.

Conclusion: The independent midwives who do not deliver babies were keenly aware that their activities are supported by local residents and other professions. Continuous breastfeeding support and postpartum care services requiring their expertise will be needed by the community.