Report Broken Link

A midwife who knows me: Women tertiary students' perceptions of midwifery

Abstract:

There is little information about how young women view midwives and the maternity services yet they are the future potential consumers of maternity services. How their expectations are formed is important. This study of young female university students has explored their understanding about midwives and maternity care. Two small focus groups involving eleven undergraduate women were held to discuss midwifery and maternity services. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify three overarching themes. Firstly, there was a perception of midwives as providing a highly personalised and professional service but that particular social qualities were also necessary. Secondly,the midwifery partnership model of practice was found to be embedded in the women’s understanding of the maternity system. Lastly, storytelling from friends and relatives was found to be the main source of the construction of these young women’s perceptions. Storytelling was considered a trustworthy source of information and privileged above media representations. Employing the power of personal storytelling is a strategy that may be useful when seeking to connect with young women who are future potential users of midwifery and maternity services. This strategy could support and improve knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand/ Aotearoa midwifery and maternity services.

 view online article View Document

maternity care, professional credibility, public perceptions, role of midwife, storytelling