Navigating a safe path together: a theory of midwives' responses to the use of complementary and alternative medicine

Abstract

Objective: this paper presents the findings from a qualitative study that aimed to explain the processes midwives engaged in when considering the use of complementary and alternative medicine by pregnant women.

Design: grounded theory methodology was employed for the study. Data was generated from in-depth interviews and non-participant observation of midwives interacting with expectant mothers. Twenty-five midwives who worked in four hospitals and associated community clinics in Victoria, Australia, participated.

Findings: the theory 'Navigating a safe path together' offers a possible explanation of how midwives are responding. When working with women interested in the use of complementary and alternative medicine, midwives move through an iterative process of individualising pregnancy care, encountering diverse perspectives and minimising the risks associated with childbearing.

Key conclusion: at the heart of the theory is the meaning midwives' construct around safe childbirth and their professional roles. Despite widespread support for the therapies, midwives' actions in clinical practice are mediated by a number of factors including the context of their professional work, their beliefs and knowledge, and the woman's expectation and health.

Implications for practice: the research highlights the need for improved education and greater professional guidance to equip midwives to respond with greater understanding, and confidence to the increasing prevalence of CAM in the maternity setting.