Issues in the delivery of midwifery care*

Abstract

The current study was designed to further knowledge of the immediate, short and long-term effects of Caesarean delivery for both the woman and her baby. A study group of 50 low-risk primigravidae of normal stature delivered by emergency Caesarean section were compared with a closely matched control group of 50 primigravidae delivered vaginally. The study generated a large amount of both quantitative and qualitative data. From the analysis of the comments made by the women in both the study and control groups at the time of both the hospital and home interviews, it was apparent that there were a number of deficiencies in the care received. This paper examines some of the issues related to the delivery of midwifery care round the themes of lack of realistic preparation for labour, delivery and parenthood; lack of support and conflicting advice from midwives, especially in the postnatal wards; failure of communication between women and staff, and it was apparent that this occurred in all areas from antenatal care to the postnatal wards.