Subversive acts and everyday midwifery: Feminism in content and context |
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| Institution: | 1. Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, PO Box 1256, 6201 BG Maastricht, The Netherlands;2. CAPHRI, School of Public Health and Primary Care Maastricht, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands;3. School of Nursing and Department of Women’s Studies, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482, USA;1. Department of Midwifery, Auckland University of Technology, South Campus, Auckland 2104, New Zealand;2. Department of Management, Auckland University of Technology, City Campus, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;3. New Zealand College of Midwives, Christchurch 8143, New Zealand;1. Curtin University School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedicine, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia;2. Edith Cowan University, School of Nursing & Midwifery, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia;1. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Australia;2. Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand;3. University of Canberra, Australia;4. Deakin University, Australia;5. Trans-Tasman Midwifery Education Consortium, Australia and New Zealand;1. Southern Cross University, Hogbin Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450, School of Health and Human Sciences, Australia;2. Southern Cross University, School of Health and Human Sciences, Australia;1. Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones St, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia;2. Mother and Infant Research Unit–University of Dundee, City Campus, 11 Airlie Pl, Dundee DD1 4HJ, United Kingdom |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundMidwives are often at the forefront of political campaigns for women's empowerment, overtly advocating for women's rights and reproductive justice. However, midwives can also be found engaging in inadvertent activism on a daily basis within routine care. When casting a feminist lens over both the content and context of midwifery practice in Australia, subversive acts and opportunities for feminist reform can be found.AimTo interrogate the significance of feminism in midwifery practice, identifying feminist successes and further opportunities for implementation including: analysis of the Midwifery Standards for Practice; the primary tenets of woman-centred care; the content versus context of midwifery in Australia; and feminist opportunities for enhanced practice. This paper will discuss the importance of feminism in midwifery practice and its significance in informing optimal midwifery care.DiscussionIncorporating 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 recommendationsMoving 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. |
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| Keywords: | Feminism Victim blaming Woman-centred Subversive acts Midwifery Feminist |
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