Women-centered care : the knowledge and practice of midwifery at the University of York

Abstract

This thesis explores the ideology of midwifery in a particular training program, that of the University of York By analyzing the history which shaped the program, the legislation which regulates it, and the philosophical beliefs which influence it. In Great Britain, giving birth has evolved from a women-only event, attended by a midwife, which took place in the home to one which is now often attended by a variety of medical practitioners, both male and female, and most often takes place in a hospital. With childbirth, midwifery has undergone dramatic transition. The study describes the ways in which York's ideology revolves around the goal of "woman-centered care," which seeks to provide pregnant women and new mothers with the power to make choices about their maternity care, to ensure that they have the greatest continuity of caregiver throughout their pregnancy, and that the care they receive is appropriate to their needs and desires. "Woman-centered care" is an ideal advocated by both the government and midwives themselves. The program trains its midwives to base their practice on knowledge, as opposed to habit or protocol; to be partners in care with women, rather than administrators of care; and to be safe, autonomous practitioners. The underlying philosophy is the idea that birth is a natural process, rather than a dangerous, disease like state which requires medical intervention.