Philosophy of Midwifery and Practice SU Midwifery Reflection

Question:
This assignment is part reflection, and part discussion of philosophy.
Take a look at ACNM’s philosophy at http://www.acnm.org/philosophy.cfm
(http://www.acnm.org/philosophy.cfm) and at MANA’s statement of values and ethics at
http://www.mana.org/valuesethics.html (http://www.mana.org/valuesethics.html) .
Many misperceptions still exist about midwifery and the role of the nurse­midwife. You may have
experienced some of these misperceptions during your pursuit of this career. Consider how your perception
of the nurse­midwife has changed over the past year. How has your experience changed your perspective?
Midwife means “with woman.” What does this mean to you?
This assignment involves posting your reflection and nurse­midwifery philosophy in the designated course
discussion board. In addition to describing your experiences with public perception of nurse­midwifery, you
will present your philosophy to your classmates. Your response should contain, but not be limited to these
basic questions:
1. Who you are
2. Why you exist
3. How you are going to act to meet your mission
4. When and under what circumstances we can expect you to be there for us
5. What are you going to look like to us? (Birth Center? Home Birth? Hospital Service?)
Post your philosophy here and on the discussion board. Review the discussion board postings of each of
your classmates and comment in a meaningful way on at least one other student’s philosophy post. 10
points will be deducted from the grade if a student doesn’t contribute to the discussion board.
Solution:
My Midwifery Professional Philosophy
A common meaning of a midwife is a person who assists women in childbirth (McAllister et al., 2014). However, I believe this definition is inadequate to precisely describe that profession that is part of the key identity for most midwives. I would offer a better meaning such as “one that helps to produce or bring forth. “The essential philosophy and professional values of midwifery have kept me focused on assisting women to bring out their health best, whether in pregnancy, in delivery, or tending their gynecologic needs,” (Renfrew et al.,2014). Despite that my professional career has taken many forms over the past several years, it has always been contingent, at least in part, on providing care for women. That is absolutely part of who I am.
In my career, I have met many people whom I have shared my experiences with. But most of the time, I found myself receiving comments from my friends and colleagues in other professions who pledged that they could not dream of choosing mid-wifely career among all other insightful medical courses. Some worried that not sitting with a woman in labor or touching a pregnant belly would change who they were. They wondered how that essential part of themselves could be manifest without the trappings of clinical practice.
I am very conscious with the experience of stereotyping, labelling and judging. Negative attitudes towards midwives are still evident and it is thought….Please click the Paypal icon below to purchase full solution for only $5