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MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

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Page 1: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND

CHALLENGES

Dr. Diana du PlessisIn Association with Philips Avent

2012

Page 2: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Philosophy of Woman-centered care

Gives priority to the wishes and needs of the user.

Embraces the midwifery-led care of women with a normal pregnancy, labour and post-natal period.

Confidence in the body’s natural abilities

Page 3: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Woman-centered care:

Childbirth: a normal life experience Most pregnant women have the potential to

have a normal and safe pregnancy and to give birth without medical intervention

Page 4: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Midwives are private primary care givers

Work in close collaboration with medical practitioners who share the same philosophy of childbirth

Page 5: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Private maternity obstetric unit in Johannesburg

Private midwives and MOU midwives work collaboratively

Provide intrapartum and postpartum care

Low-technology care Homely and relaxed

atmosphere.

Page 6: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

The private midwife

Has to apply for “birthing rights” Must provide proof of obstetric back-up Self-employed practitioner or in partnership Provides antenatal care, Progress the client intrapartum and Provide some post partum care Work independently and in close collaboration

with the midwives appointed by the MOU

Page 7: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

MOU midwife

Assists the private midwife during labour and birth and

nurses the client post-natally

Page 8: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Problem statement Numerous studies on the effectiveness of birth

centers but minimal research was found on the experiences of midwives and private midwives working together in an MOU in collaborative partnership.

From personal observation, it appears that the relationship between the private midwife and MOU midwife changes when these two sets of practitioners provide “split-services”

Page 9: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Research questions

What are the experiences of midwives working for private midwives during labour, birth and the postpartum period in a private Midwife Obstetric Unit in Gauteng?

How can the midwives be assisted to deliver collaborative maternity care?

Page 10: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Results: Theme 1. Positive experience

Identify with the values and aims of the MOU

Felt supported in their efforts to treat the laboring women with dignity and respect

Practiced as peers and colleagues Had the opportunity to improve their

knowledge and skills

Page 11: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

“I agree with the ethos of this place; we should not interfere with labour and birth”.

Page 12: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Positive continue Expanded on the reasons why they left the

traditional hospital systems: Not treated with dignity and respect; “I just could not fight the system”. “I left government, because they treated the

women so badly” “I left them (the private hospital group)

because the women are all conned into caesareans, and I had to stand there and defend the doctor”.

Page 13: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Positive continue

Felt appreciated if their opinions were sought by the private midwife.

“It [working in collaboration] makes it easier to work together as a united group”

“Better than working for a doctor”. They valued the opportunity to share ideas and

experiences with one another.

Page 14: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Theme 2: Staff midwives expressed negative sentiments

Role conflict

Page 15: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

2.1 Role conflict and accountability

“……Midwife X called for obstetric back-up too late…….. I was called in as to provide an explanation and to write a detailed incident report. I already felt bad that [the incident] happened, all of a sudden I felt it was my fault.”

Page 16: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

2.2 Role conflict: responsibilities Staff midwives felt being taken advantage of

“We are supposed to be a team, to help and support each other but I know that midwife A induces clients in her consulting room. By the time the client arrives in full labour, the midwife pretends that the client went into normal labour. By withholding information, she puts me at risk” “By the way, is an induction part of the private midwife’s scope of practice?”

“When I complain about this issue, my concerns are ignored”.

Page 17: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Role conflict: staffing

Frustration when agency places an inexperienced or disinterested staff member.

“We were so busy and then I had to work with an inexperienced agency staff member, it was really difficult. But if I complained …. She will just take her bag and go”

Page 18: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

2.3 Role conflict and the private midwife

“[She] acted like a gyne and only pitches

way later. I’m required to progress a woman I have never even seen before. How is this different from government? …. She gets the money for the delivery, yet I have to do the progressing!”

Page 19: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

2.3.1 Lack of Professional Conduct

The private midwives were not necessarily seen as leaders or experts

Late arrival “I had two fresh c/sections, and the rooms

were all full. When the lady arrived without calling her midwife, I had to stop everything and progress her.”

Page 20: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Role conflict continue Felt not valued: “I gave her some advice when the woman

was pushing for a long time, but she said afterwards I was interfering and overruling her authority. I thought we were colleagues and was merely trying to help … I mean, I am not inexperienced!”

“I have the impression that there is a gap between us; my opinion just does not count”.

Page 21: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Role conflict continue Quality of the relationship with the private midwives: Entry to the room restricted But then requested to suture a tear

“I refused to do that, it’s her responsibility and I told her to phone the back-up gyne if she is not up to it.”

“I also take responsibility if I suture…. Why can’t she do it herself? I’m not good enough to be present during the birth, why do I have to do the dirty work? How do I know what happened?”

Page 22: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

2.4 Role conflict: Undermining the ethos of the MOU

Interference in the normal process of labour Inductions; medicalization in stead of non-

pharmacological methods; ROM IV infusion (short line) inserted regularly,

especially when the labour is progressing slowly.

“push the boundaries and got away with it…..

Page 23: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

2.5 Role conflict & client

No relationship with the client Had to remain in the background Felt left out

“…I felt unwelcome and disappointed” and “I didn’t know if she noticed I was actually there”

Page 24: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Role conflict continue

Reluctant to report “….we are evaluated by the private midwife…. I don’t want to be seen as a negative person”

Page 25: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

2.6 Communication barriers

The private midwife’s professional notes were often not available, written or accessible.

No antenatal records. Incomplete private midwife’s records Staff midwives had to “find” the relevant

information and complete the patient files. “Why must I guess the amount of blood loss

during the second stage or complete her partogram? It remains her responsibility!”

Page 26: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Theme 2.7: Workplace boredom

Page 27: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

Workplace boredom

Provide help and support during the second stage of labour and nurse the woman in the post partum period.

Some liked being absorbed into the system Others: Stagnating and their skills were eroding. Expressed the need to start an own private practice or to

travel internationally to gain more experience. “I really miss being the actual midwife, but I don’t want to

be in private practice either. What do I do?”

Page 28: MIDWIVES WORKING FOR MIDWIVES – THEIR EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES Dr. Diana du Plessis In Association with Philips Avent 2012

The End

Mutually beneficial

Quality Maternity Care

Partnership