By Claire Feeley

In her book, Claire Feeley delves into the experiences of midwives who provide care to women outside of guidelines in pursuit of physiological birth. She explores the impact on the midwives themselves, as well as how teams and organizations support or discourage women’s birth choices. This thought-provoking book challenges the current norms and offers insights into the importance of quality midwifery care.

Exploring Alternative Birthing Choices

Feeley begins by highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding childbirth practices and the detrimental effects they have had on physiological birth rates and women’s well-being. She provides real-life examples of how midwives can support a range of birthing decisions within mainstream midwifery services. By presenting the experiences and perspectives of midwives who have supported alternative birth choices, she offers a unique insight into the challenges and rewards of this approach.

Understanding Midwives’ Experiences

The book delves into the experiences of midwives who deliver such care, revealing polarized accounts ranging from moral injury to job fulfillment. Feeley proposes a new model to explore how a midwife’s socio-political working context can mediate or exacerbate the vulnerability, conflict, and stigmatization they may face when supporting alternative birth choices. By shedding light on the complexities of midwifery work, the book highlights the importance of understanding and supporting midwives in their vital role.

Implications and Recommendations

Feeley concludes by exploring the implications of her findings and offers recommendations for developing a team and organizational culture that better supports women and midwives. She advocates for a systems approach to improving maternity services, acknowledging the need for change at a larger scale. This book contributes to the ongoing discussions surrounding workforce development, sustainability, moral distress, and compassion in healthcare.

A Must-Read for Midwives and Healthcare Professionals

This book is a must-read for midwives and future midwives, as it challenges traditional birth practices and emphasizes the importance of woman-centered care. It highlights the invisible nature of midwifery work and explores the challenges and benefits of delivering personalized care. Additionally, it offers valuable insights for other healthcare professionals, contributing to interprofessional concerns and fostering a better understanding of the midwifery profession.

Order Your Copy Today

If you are a midwife, a future midwife, or a healthcare professional interested in improving maternity services and supporting women’s birth choices, this book is a valuable resource. Order your copy today and join the conversation surrounding the importance of quality midwifery care and the need for change in the current birth discourse.