Exploring childbearing women's perception of the role of a midwife

Abstract

In this study, the childbearing women's perception of the role of a midwife in Australia was explored using a descriptive study. Data was gathered using a semi structured questionnaire.The findings revealed that childbearing women in Australia overwhelmingly believed a midwife is specifically trained and qualified to deliver babies normally and to care for a woman in labour.In addition, the belief was that a midwife is trained to provide a comprehensive range of maternity related tasks.The overriding themes which emerged identified the midwife as a source of advice, information, support, education, guidance, specific midwifery knowledge and being a liason person between the doctor and the pregnant woman.Limitation of the role of a midwife was believed to be due to the nursing based training of a midwife.The findings from this study revealed that childbearing women in Australia, United Kingdom and Singapore have similar perceptions of a midwife's role.Recommendations were made for further studies to investigate the reasons for a persistent lack of information regarding the role of a midwife and the type of information required by pregnant women.

Date of Award	2002
Original language	English