Mindfulness and compassionate midwifery in childbirth trauma

Patterson, Jenny

Abstract

This chapter acknowledges the existence of birth trauma and the contribution that interactions between childbearing women and their care providers make to this. Authors explore the conflicting ideologies in midwifery that challenge midwives creating tension and potential trauma for women and staff. Yet, the chapter’s focus is one of a positive constructive salutogenic vision, particularly the creation of psychological wellbeing through mindful and compassionate midwifery care. There is an exploration of the connection between compassion and mindfulness and the role salutary factors that encompass individualised, compassionate, and respectful care play in resilience and positive experiences for women, families, and maternity care providers. Diane’s model of compassionate midwifery encompasses the need for balance within conflicting ideologies, in particular how mindfulness is key to finding balance. Importantly, the authors demonstrate that mindful compassionate care supports the tenet of ‘first do no harm’ by optimising psychological wellbeing and supporting normal physiology. Fundamentally, mindful compassionate midwifery care facilitates the building of trust-based relationships between women and midwives. Although fear and suffering often exist for women and midwives, positive trust-based relationships are an antidote. Finally, the role of maternity organisations in engendering sustainable compassionate midwifery care and empowering and supporting midwives are discussed.

Citation

Patterson, J. (2022). Mindfulness and compassionate midwifery in childbirth trauma. In L. Davies, & S. Crowther (Eds.), Mindfulness in the Birth Sphere. Routledge

• Publication Date: Dec 21, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jun 28, 2024
• Publisher: Routledge
• Book Title: Mindfulness in the Birth Sphere
• Chapter Number: 3
• ISBN: 978-0-367-76035-9