Subversive acts and everyday midwifery: Feminism in content and context.
DISCUSSION: Incorporating women's voice and respecting women's bodies and agency in the delivery of care is a fundamental component of midwifery practice. However, while the content of midwifery practice is innately feminist in its emphasis on woman-centred care, it will be argued that the context of birthing in Australia is not. The resultant effect is the emergence of victim blaming in maternity care and the construction of an archetypal 'good birthing woman'.
IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Moving away from the myth of the 'good birthing woman' and the act of victim blaming, midwifery could instead direct its focus towards challenging the rigid systems and structures within which midwives implement care. By further embracing feminist principles midwives will ensure a truly woman-centred future.
PMID: 32593541 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Women Birth - Category: Midwifery Authors: Hawke M Tags: Women Birth Source Type: research