Standard of Midwifery Care Determined by Swedish Study

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 06 Apr 2005 - 12:00 PDT

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Swedish research further defines the model of midwifery care for women with high-risk pregnancies. The midwifery model emphasizes a relationship that protects a woman's individuality, promotes a deep-rooted knowledge of childbirth, and supports a balance of the natural and medical perspectives, says a study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education.

Research led by Marie Berg, RNM, MN, MPH, PhD, synthesized three qualitative interview studies with 34 total participants: 10 women with complications during childbirth; 14 women with type 1 diabetes during pregnancy; and 10 midwives who cared for women with high-risk pregnancies.

Today's medical culture often is focused more on the risk of childbirth, especially as many hospitals have anti-vaginal birth after caesarian (VBAC) policies. However, a midwife promotes the importance of the natural birthing process. The midwife model instills confidence and a sense of normalcy for pregnant women. The new model fosters a relationship of respect, a feeling of trust and a focus on the natural processes that adds further value to the birth.

"This model of midwifery care, which is based on real-life experiences, serves as a foundation of childbirth education for both high- and low-risk pregnant women," says Dr. Berg. "Midwives who provide the right kind of care can increase the likelihood of normal birth, even in high-risk cases."

In Sweden, only half of childbearing women have, according to current definitions, "normal" birth. If birth without pharmacological pain relief and induction of labor is included, only about 10 percent is defined as "normal birth." Women who are labeled high-risk are more anxious about birth and therefore more likely to rely on medical technology. A midwife guided by the new model of care gives women confidence in their ability to have a normal birth.

The Journal of Perinatal Education is the leading peer-reviewed journal for childbirth educators. The journal is published quarterly by Lamaze International for readers who provide parent education in the areas of childbirth, pregnancy, breastfeeding, neonatal care, postpartum, early parenting and young family development. For more information about the Journal of Perinatal Education and Lamaze International, visit http://www.lamaze.org.

Kara Dress
Marketing and Communications
Lamaze International, Inc.
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Washington, DC 20036
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http://www.normalbirth.lamaze.org

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